New US envoy to PH eager to strengthen enduring bonds

Ambassador Sung Kim. PHOTO FROM STATE.GOV

MANILA — United States ambassador-designate to Manila Sung Kim arrived late Thursday eager to start his “adventure” in the Philippines.

Kim, who arrived past 10 p.m. on a Korean Airways flight from Incheon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, gave a brief speech on his arrival.

“I’m finally here to be able to contribute to one of the most important partnerships, one of the most enduring partnerships,” the ambassador-designate said, referring to the ties between the US and the Philippines.

He pointed out, “There are many important dimensions to the relationship between our two countries. But for me the most meaningful, the most fundamental is the deep bond and the extraordinary bond between the peoples in the two countries.”

“I think there’s a great deal of respect, affection and admiration between Americans and Filipinos. This is clearly evident in the four million Filipino-Americans in the US and the 250,000 Americans living and working in the Philippines,” Kim noted.

He said, “I look forward to joining them to deepen the bond between the two peoples and of course I very much look forward to working with the Philippine government to strengthen this very important partnership between our two countries.”

Kim added that he was eager to get started and said that the staff at the US embassy in Manila has prepared a busy schedule for him. “I am starting with my adventure first thing in the morning,” he pointed out.

The ambassador-designate concluded, “I am very confident that our relationship will continue to grow in the years to come. Thank you very much. Maraming salamat.”  SFM