DHAKA: United States president Barack Obama’s visit to the Philippines next month will help expand security ties with its longtime Asian ally.

The Filipino government said on Saturday, reports The Straits Times.

The White House announced on Friday that Obama will make a four-nation Asia tour to Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines from October 6 to 12.

‘President Obama will meet President Aquino to discuss ways to further strengthen the enduring Philippines-US alliance, including the expansion of our security, economic, and people-to-people ties,’ Philippine president Benigno Aquino’s spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a statement.

The visit comes amid talks between the two allies on expanding American military presence in the Philippines, at a time when Manila seeks to counter what it perceives as a growing threat from China.

BDST: 1550 HRS, SEPT 14, 2013
RoR/SRS