Bush thanks Arroyo for support for Iraq war

WASHINGTON (AFP) Apr 11, 2003
US President George W. Bush thanked Philippines President Gloria Arroyo by telephone Friday for supporting the war in Iraq as the two leaders looked to "next steps" there, the White House said.

"President Bush thanked President Arroyo for her early and steadfast leadership on Iraq and expressed appreciation for the Philippines' commitment to provide immediately post-conflict assistance," said spokesman Ari Fleischer.

"The two leaders discussed developments in the war on terror in the Philippines. President Bush reaffirmed the strong US commitment to support the Philippines in their efforts to defeat terrorism, and the two leaders agreed to continue to consult closely," he added.

Bush also told Arroyo that he looked forward to her April state visit to Washington.

Arroyo is a key Washington ally in the region, and was among the first leaders to have backed the US-led war on terrorism following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

Last year, about 1,000 US Special Forces were sent to help Filipino troops fight the Muslim Abu Sayyaf rebels in the south, leading to the death of a top guerrilla leader and the rescue of an American hostage.

SPACE.WIRE