What Obama wrote in Malacañan Palace guest book

MANILA, Philippines — US President Barack Obama expressed his gratitude for allowing him to visit Manila on Monday in his inscription in the guest book of Malacañan Palace.

"I thank President Aquino and the people of the Philippines for welcoming me," Obama said in the hand-written note.

He also hoped that his state visit will reestablish bilateral ties between the Philippines and the United States.

"May America's oldest alliance in Asia always be renewed by our friendship and mutual respect," Obama wrote on the guest book before placing his signature.

US President Obama's note in the Malacañang guest book. Official Gazette

The two countries have been treaty allies since the end of World War II.

Obama arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport aboard Air Force One at around 1:30 p.m.. He was greeted by Vice President Jejomar Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Interior Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and his Filipino counterpart Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr.

In his two-day visit, Obama is scheduled to meet with Aquino and hold bilateral talks with the Philippine Cabinet, which will be followed by a joint press conference. A state dinner has also been arranged for him at the Palace.

On Tuesday, Obama will honor fallen soldiers at the American Cemetery and deliver remarks at Fort Bonifacio and then leave for Washington, D.C.

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