US Pacific Fleet commander visits Phl

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Commander of US Pacific Fleet Admiral Harry Harris Jr. arrived in Manila, Philippines, today for his first official visit to the Philippines.

During the visit, Harris is scheduled to meet with US Ambassador Philip Goldberg, make an office call on Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, Flag-Officer-In-Command, at the headquarters of the Philippine Navy, and visit Philippine Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, according to US Embassy in Manila.  

Harris will use this opportunity to discuss the "strong and enduring" relationships between the US and Philippine navies, the implications of the US military's rebalance to the Pacific and the importance of naval engagement and cooperation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, the US Embassy said.