US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and Philippine President Benigno
Aquino discussed expanding the US military’s presence in the
Philippines during their talks on August 30, according to news
reports.
The talks came as part of Chuck Hagel’s visit to
the Philippines , the last stop of his week-long trip to Southeast
Asia, which also took him to Malaysia , Indonesia and Brunei .
Hagel said at a joint news conference following the meeting that
the US is promoting a new framework cooperation that will
strengthen cooperation between the two militaries and help them work
together more effectively.
He proposed bilateral military arrangements with the Philippines similar to those in Singapore and Australia.
After the press conference, Hagel held separate talks with his
Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazim and Foreign Secretary Albert Del
Rosario.-VNA