U.S. role in typhoon relief boosts new military deal with Manila

By way of Manuel Mogato MANILA (Reuters) – Emergency aid provided by using U.S. troops in areas devastated by way of hurricane Haiyan in the critical Philippines makes a robust case for the two allies to clinch a new defense force accord, Manila’s foreign minister said on Monday. The Philippines and the US have been negotiating a new security agreement permitting wider and extra prolonged get right of entry to for the U.S. military at bases and other amenities in its former colony. Each side, alternatively, are dedicated to concluding a deal, a lift to the overseas coverage of President Barack Obama’s administration specializing in Asia and the Pacific. “What has been proven within the principal Philippines because of this storm and the assistance supplied when it comes to aid, rescue operation… is the need for this framework agreement that we’re working on with the US,” International Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told journalists.