'RP-U.S. ties not only on terror'

'RP-U.S. ties not only on terror'

PHILIPPINES: The United States President George W. Bush's visit to the Philippines next month will go "beyond mere concerns over terrorism," and will advance mutual interests in the region, President Gloria Arroyo said on Tuesday.

"This visit goes beyond mere concerns over terrorism. It is about the mutuality of Philippine and U.S. interests in peace, security and development, regionally and globally," Arroyo said in a statement.

Bush is scheduled to make an eight-hour stopover here on Oct. 18 in what is largely seen as a gesture of thanks to Arroyo for her staunch support in the U.S.-led war on terror.

Arroyo however said that during the visit, the two leaders would "reaffirm our commitments to key programs that will push forward political and economic security in this part of the world."

Earlier, her spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Bush would likely seek a "post-conflict" role for the United States once the Philippine government signs a peace deal with Moro separatists in the southern Philippines. -- AFP