US-PH ties in a ‘very good place now’ – DFA
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MANILA, Philippines — The relationship between the United States and the Philippines is “in a very good place now,” according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
DFA Office of American Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga touted the US-Philippine ties as the US Embassy in Manila marked the 247th US Independence Day on Tuesday – a few days ahead of the Fourth of July celebration.
July 4 also marks Philippine-American Friendship Day.
Chan-Gonzaga recalled the “particularly significant” chapter in the relationship between the two longtime allies in the past year as “marked by key dialogues and bilateral meetings of the highest levels.”
He cited the two meetings of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and US President Joe Biden in September 2022 and May 2023.
“We are in a very good place now. The alliance is ironclad. Our economic relations are strong. And the friendship between our two peoples is unshakeable,” Chan-Gonzaga said in his opening remarks.
He noted that Marcos and Biden had already established “a clear direction on where they want to take our partnership and engagement across all areas of cooperation.”
This rapport, Chan-Gonzaga said, is “to ensure that we can be reliable and equal treaty allies while advancing our respective national interests.”
The DFA official echoed points Marcos had previously raised about US-Philippine relations, which zeroes in on the shared values, vision, and commitment to mutual prosperity.
“Each day, therefore, we build upon the strong foundations [of= the past,” Chan-Gonzaga said.
“And each day, in the work that our two governments do together, in the contributions that the Filipinos and Filipino-Americans make to the United States, and in collaboration with the Americans who made the Philippines their home, the partnership and the friendship between our two peoples are constantly renewed and constantly strengthened.”
He then reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines to working with the US “in advancing our common interests and harnessing our respective strengths [so] that our peoples may thrive and flourish.”
‘Stood test of time, flourished’
For her part, US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson hailed the US and the Philippines’ “enduring friendship, which has stood the test of time and flourished based on our shared values, common interests, and mutual respect.”
“One of the great strengths of both of our countries is our diversity. The United States and the Philippines are home to people from varied backgrounds, cultures, and traditions, held together by unifying ideals,” she said in her opening remarks.
Carlson added: “We draw on our diversity to generate opportunities for our citizens to thrive, to build stronger communities, to create a better future in which we come closer to achieving our ideals.”
Looking ahead, the US envoy said she is optimistic about what the future holds for US-Philippine ties.
She likewise vowed that the US will continue working with the Philippines “to strengthen our ties as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity, and ironclad allies.”
Since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. took office last year, ties between the US and the Philippines have started to warm again — a notable pivot from the country’s diplomatic direction under the administration of Marcos’ predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.
