Washington, Rajab 19, 1433, Jun 9, 2012, SPA - US President Barack Obama and Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Friday discussed defence cooperation and the South China Sea. A statement issued after the meeting said they discussed "regional developments" including the standoff over a disputed shoal. "They underscored the importance of the principles of ensuring freedom of navigation, respect for international law and unimpeded lawful commerce," the White House was quoted as saying by DPA. Obama voiced support for efforts through the regional grouping ASEAN to forge an agreement with China on a "code of conduct for the South China Sea that creates a rules-based framework for managing and regulating the conduct of parties, including preventing and managing disputes." --SPA 13:05 LOCAL TIME 10:05 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/1005894