US, Philippine Presidents meet on regional security issues?

 

US President Barack Obama has met with his Philippine counterpart Benigno Aquino in Washington on bilateral and regional issues.

U.S. President Barack Obama meets with President Benigno Aquino of the Philippines in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC on June 8, 2012.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the peace and security of the region, and to the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951. Speaking on the situation in the South China Sea, they underscored the importance of upholding principles of freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unimpeded lawful commerce.

Obama also conveyed his support for the ongoing ASEAN efforts to reach an agreement with China on a Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. The code would create a framework for managing and regulating the conduct of parties in the waters. Earlier, Aquino also met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She announced the US will support the construction and training of a National Coast Watch centre to help the Philippines monitor its coastline.