Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Under heavy security, the meeting between the two leaders was held at the Oval Office Thursday afternoon, July 30.Arroyo was joined by her companions, Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Executive Eduardo Ermita and presidential adviser Heherson Alvarez. President Arroyo is the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White since took office in January.

"I am fascinated with the fascination about this evening," remarked President in the oval office, with President Arroyo beside him.

He was talking about the much talked about "beer summit" he was scheduled to have at the Rose Garden with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates and Police Sgt. James Crowley, and not the brief chat he just had with Arroyo.

"I would be surprised if you guys all make this the lead—as opposed to a very important meeting we just had with one of our most important partners in the world—but the press has surprised me before," he added, while Arroyo smiled.

"The relationship between the United States and the Philippines dates back many years. It is a friendship that is forged not only in treaties and trade relationships and military relationships, but it is also strengthened by very personal ties that exist between our two countries," Obama said and added, "We are proud to have four million persons of Filipino ancestry who contribute daily to the American fabric of life."

Obama also praised the Philippine president for her efforts in issues shared by both countries, such as climate change and more especially, terrorism.

"We look forward to a greater cooperation between our countries," Obama remarked.

"The US is very essential to the economy and national security of the Philippines. We are very thankful in having the US as an ally," Arroyo said as she discussed America’s help in building more than just roads, schools and bridges in the Philippines, but also the American efforts in helping the Philippine military, specially in its efforts to curb terrorism in southern Philippines.

Mrs. Arroyo also thanked Obama for including the Filipino veterans in the stimulus package that was approved early this year.

"I am very grateful for this opportunity and we thank the Obama administration and we look forward to a stronger relationship between the US and ASEAN."