MANILA, July 1 (Xinhuanet) -- The US government on Thursday promised increased cooperation with the Philippines in security matters and more benefits for Filipino war veterans.

    At a press briefing, US Veterans Affairs Secretary Anthony Principi, who headed the US delegation to attend President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's inauguration, vowed closer cooperation with the incumbent administration to achieve common goals and strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

    Principi said the US government will work "collectively and collaboratively" with the Philippine government to see what additional benefits it may provide to Filipino war veterans.

    Principi underscored the need for stability in a continuing democratic setup for the country's sagging economy to progress.

    He vowed continued US support in the fight against terrorism, the peace process in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, modernization of the Philippine armed forces as well as more jointtraining between US and Philippines troops under the Visiting Forces Agreement signed by the two governments in 1998.

    American Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone, whojust came back to the Philippines from a special assignment in Iraq, said "President Bush greatly values the historical relationship solidified 60 years ago with the Filipino people."

    Bush called Arroyo on Wednesday to congratulate her as she began a full six-year term in office, the White House said.

    On Wednesday, Arroyo delivered her inaugural address in Manila and then took her oath of office in Cebu province in the central Philippines, where she won by a landslide over her main rival Fernando Poe Jr. Enditem