Hillary Clinton on 24-hour visit to Manila

Manila: US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is due to visit Manila next week to hold consultations with senior Philippine officials on security alliance concerns and other issues, officials from both countries said.

The 24-hour visit, which will take place from November 12 to 13, will be the first by Clinton as Secretary of State. She had accompanied her husband Bill during his trip to the country in the past when the latter was President of the United States.

Clinton will make the trip to the Philippines in between her meetings at the Asia Economic Conference (Apec) forum in Singapore, US Embassy to the Philippines spokesman Ian Kelly said.

The Apec sessions will take place from November 10 to 19, and will be highlighted by the Leaders' Meeting to be attended by US President Barack Obama, among other heads of state.