US sends greetings ahead of Philippines’ 115th Independence Day

President Barack Obama. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The United States recognized the Philippines as a “strategic partner” in Asia Pacific as it sent its greetings ahead of the Philippines’ 115th Independence Day.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 115th anniversary of your nation’s independence,” US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement.

“The United States is proud of our rich history and enduring alliance with the Philippines, an important democracy and strategic partner in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

Kerry said both the US and Philippines “enjoy ever-broadening cooperation on challenges from countering extremism to strengthening economic ties.”

“Through our Partnership for Growth, we can help sustain the Philippines impressive economic growth and our joint efforts in the Open Government Partnership are advancing good governance, accountability, and vibrant civil societies,” he also said.

“I’m especially proud of my long connection to the Philippines dating back to the first amendment I ever passed as a United States senator, calling for free and fair elections,” Kerry said, recalling the time he visited Manila as an observer during the 1986 elections “that restored democracy to a people yearning to be freed from dictatorship.”

The high ranking US official also cited that one of his first possessions that he hung on his office’s wall at the State Department was the Order of Sikatuna he received from the Philippine government years back.

“On this special day, as Filipinos around the world come together to celebrate, I wish you a joyous Independence Day and a prosperous future,” he said.