Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton on Friday for talks on bilateral relations, dpa reported.
"The Philippines is one of our closest and most important allies, not just in Asia, but on so many issues around the world," Clinton said in a brief media appearance with Arroyo.
Clinton and Arroyo also recognized the role Filipino Americans play in the United States.
"The Filipino Americans have played a very important role here," Arroyo said.