U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held bilateral meetings with Philippines President Benigno Aquino in Manila Wednesday.
Clinton is in the region to discuss expanded relations between the two countries.
Part of Clinton's trip was also dedicated to renewing a Cold War era military treaty.
During a ceremony onboard the USS Fitzgerald, Clinton reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to the Mutual Defence Treaty, which states both nations would support the other if attacked by an external party.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON SAYING:
"We are seeking to broaden and strengthen our partnership beyond defence. The Manila Declaration that we have just signed sets forth a shared vision for strategic, political, economic and people to people cooperation."
Not everyone was happy with the Secretary's visit... for the second day, demonstrators rallied against the treaty saying it unfairly benefits the U.S. over the Philppines.
Secretary Clinton and President Aquino will hold a news conference later in the day.
Julie Noce, Reuters