U.S. envoy meets Philippine president-apparent

The United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomashas met with Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr., the arrarent winner in the presidential race, on friday.

Aquino was joined by his running-mate, vice presidential candidate Manuel "Mar" Roxas III, at the meeting at his residence in Times Street in Quezon City.

During the meeting, U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas conveyed to Aquino Washington's satisfaction over the generally smooth conduct of the Philippines'first-ever automated polls on May 10, where the Liberal Party candidate emerged as the apparent winner in the presidential race.

"At the meeting with Sen. Aquino, Thomas congratulated the Filipino people regarding the May 10 elections, saying the United States looks forward to working with the new administration to deepen bilateral friendship and partnership and advance common goals for Southeast Asia and the world,"said the U.S. Embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson.

Thomas also said the U.S. government "respects the political process and will wait for the formal proclamation of election results by Congress."

The U.S. is the Philippines' major defense, security, and economic ally.

Source: Xinhua