Aquino, Obama to tackle US pivot to Asia during state visit

President Barack Obama meets with President Benigno Aquino Friday in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang on Sunday confirmed that President Benigno Aquino III and United States President Barack Obama will tackle the US forces’ pivot to Asia when the latter visits the country next week.

“The scheduled meeting of President Aquino and President Obama may center on what we call strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States. And an important part of this relationship and cooperation is in the area of defense and security,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in Filipino in a press briefing.

Coloma acknowledged US’ rebalancing towards Asia and the region’s important role in global commerce and trade.

All of that are important elements in understanding the scheduled meeting between the two presidents,” he said.

Coloma said they would ensure that Obama’s visit will be orderly and peaceful.

The US is pushing for the rebalancing of its forces in the Asia Pacific amid the increasing economic and military might of China. Obama’s state visit on April 28 coincides with the intensified territorial disputes of the Philippines and other countries with the China, which has led to increased tension in the region.

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