By Caesar Vallejos
Eagle News Service
US Ambassador Sung Kim reiterated the “tremendously strong relationship” between the Philippines and his country, as he vowed to continue to advance each other’s interests in the Asia-Pacific region.
Kim made the pronouncement in a speech during the US celebration of its 242nd anniversary at the Makati Shangri-La on July 3, Tuesday.
With the theme, #FriendsPartnersAllies, the event was also done in celebration of Philippine-American Friendship Day.
“This a perfect time to reflect the beautiful relationship between our two countries…,” the US Ambassador said, describing the same to be “built on deep, personal, economic and security ties.”
According to Kim, “together, we will ensure that every aspect of our partnership, from robust trade to an unbreakable military alliance, we will continue to advance each other’s interest in the peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.”
“Our partnership and alliance remain incredibly strong and there is tremendous potential for further growth. I believe that there is no limit to what our countries can achieve together,” the Ambassador added.
America: Home to 4M Filipinos
In his speech, Kim noted that the commitment of four million Filipinos “who call America home” was also the commitment of 250,000 Americans living in the Philippines.
“This wonderful place has become home to me. In fact every time I travel overseas, and approach NAIA, I feel a sense of relief, comfort and excitement coming home,” he said.
He noted the people who he said “make this place truly an amazing place.”
“And so I am deeply proud and honored to call the Philippines my new home,” he said.
Tried and tested
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, for his part, noted that the alliance between “our two nations (has) been tested and it has delivered each test every time.”
“Our partnership continue to foster relations not just between our governments but among our people,” the DFA Secretary stressed.
He also thanked the Americans for their “continued confidence in the Philippine economy.”
The US News and World Report said that the Philippines is the best country to invest in in 2018. FDI net inflows to the country reached a record high 10 billion US dollars in 2017 with the US leading the way in the form of investments.
Cayetano said he was hopeful that “our shared values and goals will spur greater and sustained bilateral trade and investments.”
“While we chart our path in furtherance of our national interests, the historic, dynamic and multi-faceted Philippines-US alliance, continue to grow, will continue to stand the test of time and will grow from strength to strength,” he said.
