US Embassy says envoy had ‘friendly, productive’ talks with Duterte

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte shares a light moment with US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim following their meeting at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City on March 27, 2017. ACE MORANDANTE/Presidential Photo

The US Embassy in Manila said its Ambassador Sung Kim had a “friendly, productive meeting with President Duterte” in Davao City on Monday.

“They discussed the extensive bilateral partnership over the years as well as cooperation on counterterrorism, child protection, piracy, and economic development in Mindanao,” the Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday.

It said Kim discussed the two countries’ partnerships in the region, especially on strengthening the local economy and promoting peace and stability.

Military assistance

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Monday said Duterte told Kim that “PH-US relations at the bilateral level remain strong and there is readiness to discuss more matters of mutual interest with the US.”

He said the ambassador also expressed pride in the cooperation of US and Philippine intelligence forces.

“Sung Kim also assured PRRD that the US understands the security concerns of the Philippines and that the US is ready to provide more military equipment, assistance and training,” Abella said.

“They agreed that PH and the US have mutual interests and shared values. Both stressed that these fruitful engagements and discussions are very important in ensuring that both states are on the same page,” he said.

Economy

Meanwhile, the Embassy highlighted the economic issues discussed by Duterte and Kim.

“Overall, the US government has pledged more than P3.5 billion for dozens of projects in Mindanao over the next few years, including the Roll-on, Roll-off, or RO-RO, nautical highway,” it said, adding that the route will connect the cities of Davao and General Santos to the Sulawesi Island of Indonesia by April 30.

The project is meant to help US and Philippine businesses in Mindanao increase their exports “at great savings.”

Kim reportedly showcased the close business ties of US companies and Mindanao, such as the 40,000 jobs created by BPO companies.

“Cargill, a US agricultural corporation, exports P7.5 billion worth of coconut oil every year, much of which comes from Mindanao, supporting tens of thousands of Mindanao farmers,” the Embassy said.

The company has trained 1,000 coconut farmers to improve their agricultural practices.

“As a result, 300 small farmers from the region have been certified to produce the world’s first Rainforest Alliance certified copra, raising their incomes by 15 percent,” the statement said./rga

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