US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel and Philippine President BenignoAquino discussed expanding the US military’s presence in thePhilippines during their talks on August 30, according to newsreports.
The talks came as part of Chuck Hagel’s visit tothe Philippines , the last stop of his week-long trip to SoutheastAsia, which also took him to Malaysia , Indonesia and Brunei .
Hagel said at a joint news conference following the meeting thatthe US is promoting a new framework cooperation that willstrengthen cooperation between the two militaries and help them worktogether 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 hisPhilippine counterpart Voltaire Gazim and Foreign Secretary Albert DelRosario.-VNA