‘Noy-Obama talks on territorial row with China inevitable’

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino and US President Barack Obama will likely discuss the Philippines’ territorial dispute with China during the latter’s visit this October, a Palace official said yesterday.

“I think discussing the issue (with China) is inevitable to enhance our maritime security,” Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said over government-run radio dzRB.

Obama will be in Manila on Oct. 11 and 12.

Carandang said defense cooperation, economic matters and the rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines are part of the agenda of the visit.

“We’re hoping his visit will be fruitful in strengthening our relations with the US, not just defense cooperation. We also have economic, cultural and historical ties,” he added.

The Palace official did not give further details of the Aquino-Obama meeting.

“They are expected to discuss business in the international scheme. They will talk about defense, economic and trade issues,” Carandang said.

The bilateral ties between the two allies will further be enhanced with Obama’s visit, he said.