The new ambassador of the US to the Philippines has assured President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. that he has "a reliable partner" in America in addressing issues involving trade, clean energy, marine resources and climate crisis.
In a Presentation of Credentials to Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace on Friday, Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the US is committed to partnering with him and the government.
"As President Biden emphasized in his call with you on May 10, America's commitment to the Philippines is deep and enduring—as friend, ally and partner," Carlson said.
"As you act to ensure the security, prosperity, and freedoms of the Philippine people, we are here to help, and invested in your success," she added, "We look forward to working together to develop new trade and investment ties, partner on clean energy solutions, protect marine and terrestrial resources, and help tackle the climate crisis. "
The new envoy described the alliance between the Philippines and the US as a "bedrock of our bond" and the Mutual Defense Treaty and other agreements between the two countries "are at the heart of our commitment to help defend the Philippines' sovereignty and independence."
"We are fellow democracies, bound by a rich shared history. We share the powerful, positive ties of family, embodied in the four million Filipino-Americans in the United States and the 350,000 U.S. citizens in the Philippines," she added.
Carlson, who arrived in Manila on Thursday night, said she was inspired "by the bond between our great nations and devoted to making it even stronger."
"I feel especially fortunate to arrive in the early days of your administration," she added as she also thanked Marcos Jr. for the friendship he showed to Deputy Chief of Mission Heather Variava.