New American ambassador says mutual respect needed to ensure stable US-PH ties

GETTING TO KNOW YOU President Duterte meets new US Ambassador Sung Kim, who presents his credentials in Malacañang, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take over the White House.
—JOAN BONDOC

US Ambassador Sung Kim on Tuesday said mutual respect would help ensure that the decades-long relationship between the Philippines and the United States would remain stable.

Kim had an hourlong “substantive” discussion with President Duterte after presenting his credentials at Malacañang.

He said he looked forward to expanding the two countries’ relationship and engaging in “many areas of mutual interest.”

Warm welcome

Kim also thanked Mr. Duterte and the Filipino people for the warm welcome accorded him.

Describing US ties with the Philippines as “one of America’s most enduring partnerships,” Kim said he was honored to have the chance to contribute to this relationship.

“This important relationship is, of course, based on mutual respect. I am confident that our mutual respect, combined with the close ties and shared history and values, will ensure stability in our relationship over the long term and the years and decades to come,” he said in a press briefing.

Kim said there was a “deep bond” between the Philippines and the United States, as well as extensive economic ties that have potential for growth.

“There is indeed tremendous ‘kalooban,’ the extraordinary spirit, warmth and strength in our relationship,” he said.

Exploring archipelago

“In addition to our close friendship and, of course, our strong alliance, we have strong economic ties that are longstanding and extensive, and enthusiastic about the potential to grow our two-way economic partnership,” he added.

Kim also said he was looking forward to exploring the Philippines, “from the rolling hills of Batanes to the beaches of Tawi-Tawi and to experience [the] Philippines’ rich culture.”

Kim’s arrival in the Philippines comes as Mr. Duterte softens his rhetoric against the United States.

Mr. Duterte had lashed out at the United States and at President Barack Obama for expressing concern about drug-related killings in the Philippines and for US lawmakers’ threat to withdraw aid.

He had lamented that the United States was treating the Philippines like a dog on a leash that it was taunting with a treat.

But after Republican Donald Trump won the US presidential election last month, Mr. Duterte said he did not want to quarrel with the United States anymore.

Malacañang said there could be a reboot of the relationship between the two countries.