U.S. troops to remain in Philippines, senior U.S. diplomat

The U. S. troops will continue staying in the Philippines, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs William Burnsa said during the ongoing visit to the Philippines.

At the launching of a U.S.-funded project in Cotabato city on Wednesday, Burns told reporters U.S. troops currently in the Philippine soil based on the invitation of Manila government will remain to work not only on anti-terror campaign but work closely with peace and development.

"We're here to do whatever we can on the efforts of Philippine government. I re-emphasized our commitment for peace and prosperity in Mindanao," Burns said.

"The cooperation between our soldiers and Filipino forces working closely is a strong symbol of two country's friendship," he added.

The United States has since 2002 deployed hundreds of troops stationed in Mindanao, a southern Philippine region, to help train local troops as they fight Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group, which the United States lists as a terrorist organization.

Source: Xinhua