The United States is sending a new ambassador to the Philippines to repair a souring relationship engendered by caustic remarks and persistent tirades issued by President Duterte against the former colonial power.
On Friday (Manila time), Korean-born Sung Y. Kim took his oath of office before US Secretary of State John Kerry as the new US ambassador to the Philippines, replacing Philip Goldberg who occupied the post for more than three years.
In his remarks at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Ben Franklin Room of the State Department in Washington DC, Secretary Kerry said “no one better is qualified than Sung Kim to represent the United States of America and be our ambassador to the Philippines at this point in time.”
“No one is better at getting to the heart of an issue or establishing common sense priorities,” said Kerry. “And no one, frankly, has steadier nerves when faced with a difficult situation.”
‘IRONCLAD’ TIES
At the oath-taking rites, Kerry reiterated the historic alliance between the US and the Philippines remains “ironclad” despite recent differences.
“The United States continues to place high value on the close ties that exist between our countries,” Kerry said during the swearing-in ceremony for Kim.
“We continue to recognize our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and security of the Philippines.”
Kim, in his speech posted on the US State Department website, said he is deeply honored to be following so many distinguished diplomats who preceded him in the Philippines, such as Goldberg, his immediate predecessor and friend.
AMONG MOST SPECIAL FRIENDS
“I’m thrilled to have the honor of representing our country in the Philippines, our oldest ally in Asia and one of our most special friends anywhere,” he said.
Kim said the US and the Philippines are and will continue to be “close friends, partners, and allies.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomed Kim’s assignment.
DFA spokesman Charles Jose said they look forward to “working with him in promoting PH-US relations.”
Kim is a career member of the Foreign Service class of Minister-Counselor who holds a diploma from the University of Pennsylvania, a law degree from Loyola Law School, and a Masters of Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
He used to be America’s Special Representative for North Korea Policy and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs at the Department of State.
Prior to being appointed as US ambassador to South Korea, Kim also held the position of special envoy for the Six Party Talks with the rank of ambassador from 2008 to 2011, and director of the Office of Korean Affairs in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs from 2006 to 2008.
Kim, who grew up in Los Angeles where he attended middle school and high school, was also Political-Military Chief at the US embassy in Seoul, Korea from 2002 to 2006 and has held positions at posts in Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia.
He was also a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
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