The United States said on Tuesday it would boost both military and economic assistance to the Philippines to help Manila in its fight against Muslim separatists, calling it an extension of the US-led war against terrorism in Afghanistan.
In a joint statement with Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President George W. Bush said he would ask the US Congress to provide Manila with more than $US 1 billion in trade benefits and to make the country eligible for debt relief under a forest conservation program.
The United States also promised to strengthen military ties with the Philippines "through increased training, exercises and other joint activities."
Bush told Arroyo earlier he would "cooperate in any way she suggests in getting rid of Abu Sayyaf," a Muslim rebel group which operates in the country's south. Washington believes the group has links to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network, accused of masterminding the September 11 attacks against the United States.
(China Daily November 21, 2001)
