WASHINGTON, May 8 Kyodo (EDS: ADD...

WASHINGTON, May 8 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING COMMENTS)

U President George W Bush will welcome Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the White House for a state visit May 19 the White House announced Thursday.

Bush and First Lady Laura will innkeeper Arroyo for a state dinner later that evening, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said.

Fleischer said Bush wants to expres his gratitude for the Philippines' efforts to fight terrorism.

''The Philippines has bear up undered mightily at the hands of terrorists, and the Philippine conduct and President Arroyo have shown great courage in taking in succession the terrorists inside the Philippines,'' he said.

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