Nina Hachigian, the US Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), believes that the alliance between the Philippines and the United States "will endure and remain strong" despite President Duterte's unconventional take on foreign policy.
Hachigian emphasized that the ties between the US and the Philippines "is one of our most enduring and important relationships in the Asia-Pacific region."
She also told reporters in Asia in a call conference from Jakarta, Indonesia on Wednesday, that "It's been a cornerstone of stability for over 70 years," referring to the US-Philippines ties.
Hachigian mentioned that US officials have begun meetings with their counterparts in the Philippines to discuss their shared priorities and programs, noting that it was "in the great interest" of both countries to maintain the alliance.
"U.S. military presence in the Philippines is at the request of the leaders of that country. We'll continue to consult closely with our Filipino partners to appropriately cater our assistance to whatever approach the new administration adopts," Hachigian said referring to the status of US troops in the country.
The envoy further explained that the Philippine foreign affairs and defense officials had issued statements on Tuesday "affirming the closeness of the alliance." She added that the two countries had been able to work together to advance their "wide range of shared interest."
The ASEAN Summit next year, which the Philippines will be hosting, will coincide not just with the association's 50th anniversary, but also with the 40th anniversary of the US-Philippines relations, Hachigian observed.
Source: InterAksyon
Image: Massis Post
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