The President called President Arroyo of the Philippines this morning.  They reaffirmed their commitment to the long-standing U.S.-Philippines alliance, including the Visiting Forces Agreement, which remains critical to the bilateral relationship and our strategic interests.  The President commended President Arroyo on her country’s efforts in countering terrorism and modernizing the armed forces.  The two leaders discussed the need to work closely together on the global economic crisis as well as on other areas of common concern, including climate change, education, and interfaith dialogue.