US President Barack Obama called President Arroyo on March 13 to reaffirm America's commitment to the long-standing Philippine-US alliance.

Obama commended President Arroyo on her country's efforts in countering terrorism and modernizing the armed forces.

The two leaders also discussed the need to work closely to address the global economic crisis as well as other areas of common concern, including climate change, education, and interfaith dialogue.

Obama also reiterated his commitment to the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), an issue that has put military and diplomatic relations between the two countries in question.

Calls for the abrogation of the VFA rose after a US soldier was convicted of raping a Filipina in 2005.

The soldier, Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was placed under US custody with both US and Philippine officials citing the VFA.

A recent Supreme Court ruling, however, said Smith should be transferred to a detention facility under Philippine authority. -- report from ANC