Barack, Aquino talk of life after presidency
President Barack Obama, right, stands with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, left, at a meeting of ASEAN, the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage, Calif., Monday, Feb. 15, 2016. Obama and the leaders of the Southeast Asian nations are gathering for two days of talks on economic and security issues and on forging deeper ties amid China’s assertive presence in the region. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
LOS ANGELES—With both leaders soon to end their terms, the conversation between President Aquino and US President Barack Obama revolved around their lives after they step down from office.
Mr. Aquino and Obama had a chance to talk during the two-day summit between the United States and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, their first meeting as strategic leaders.
But personal discussions between Mr. Aquino and Obama during the gathering were a bit more personal.
“During the times that we got to talk, we did not discuss related topics. For instance, the last thing I mentioned to him was that in August, I will write to him about what a life of freedom being a normal citizen is like. He said he would wait for it,” Mr. Aquino told reporters.
At one point, Obama asked him what he wanted to do after he ends his term.
He also asked Mr. Aquino if he was happy about not having to take part in the ongoing election process.
“I told him, I think I share your sentiment,” he said.
Their discussions revolved around these matters.
Mr. Aquino is set to end his six-year term on June 30, while Obama is on his second and last term that will end on Jan. 20, 2017.
The Philippines has just kicked off its official campaign period. In the United States, its Republican and Democratic parties have been holding primaries to select candidates for president.
According to Mr. Aquino, the Philippines and the United States have already reached an understanding on so many matters.
Asked whether they talked about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that would allow American troops access to Philippine bases, he said the two countries had discussed the issue in several meetings and dialogues.
“We have probably reached the point of our relationship where we already understand each other. Repeating the discussions won’t be necessary,” Mr. Aquino said.
