The Philippines-United States relations reached numerous milestones in the past three years, Ambassador Sung Kim said during the celebration of the 243rd anniversary of US Independence and the two nations’ Friendship Day on Wednesday.
Under the term of US President Donald Trump and President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who marked his third year in office last Saturday, the historic Balangiga Bells was returned to the Philippines.
In 2017, the US was also able to work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in ending the terror siege in Marawi.
In the same year, Kim said the Philippines chaired the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit where Trump had a “wonderful visit” to Manila.
“So many great things happened in our relationship and I remain very optimistic about the future of the Philippines-US relationship,” he said in a speech in Makati City.
“We have shared values, we have shared history, we have shared culture, common interests, and most importantly, the warmth and mutual affection and respect with the Philippines remain very strong, and I think that friendship will carry our partnership and alliance into the future,” he added.
In a speech, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. agreed that the Philippines and US ties will “endure” as he cites the two states’ commonalities despite their sharp differences.
“We both hate subservience to foreign powers. We cannot imagine living without total freedom in word, in thought, and in deed,” he said.