Obama congratulates Aquino, Binay

MANILA, Philippines - US President Barack Obama has officially congratulated president-elect Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday.

In an interview on ABS-CBN's Bandila, US Embassy Press Attache Rebecca Thompson said that Obama called Aquino Wednesday evening to congratulate him and vice-president-elect Jejomar Binay on their proclamation as the winners of the May 10 national elections.

"He also congratulated the people of the Philippines for carrying out a successful first national automated elections," Thompson said.

Thompson added that during the conversation, Obama emphasized that he "looked forward to working with the new Philippine government."

"President Obama emphasized that he looked forward to working with the new Philippine government, to deepen the unwavering friendship and partnership between our two nations, and to advance our common goals for the benefit of both of our countries, and that will also benefit Southeast Asia and the world," she said.

When asked whether the two leaders will meet, Thompson said that the 2 will have an opportunity to meet when their schedules permit.

"We know that they have very busy schedules, and we also know that they are very interested in meeting, so while it's hard to say exactly when right now, I'm sure that they will have an opportunity when their schedules permit," she added.

Earlier, the US Ambassador to Manila issued a formal statement to congratulate Aquino.