New US Ambassador Lipton vows to deepen Philippines-US alliance, bring investments and jobs
At A Glance
- New U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton pledged to strengthen the Philippines-U.S. alliance.
- Lipton said the United States plans to bring more business, jobs, investments, and assistance to Filipinos.
- His posting comes as the Philippines and the United States prepare to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.
Newly appointed United States Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton pledged to elevate the Philippines-United States alliance and bring more American investments, jobs, and assistance to Filipinos as the two countries prepare to mark 80 years of diplomatic relations.
U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton / U.S. Embassy in the Philippines / Facebook
Speaking at the “Freedom 250” U.S. Independence Day reception in Manila on Thursday, July 2, Lipton said he was honored to begin his posting in the Philippines and expressed optimism about further strengthening the long-standing partnership between the two allies.
“I’m so excited to be here and elevate the United States’ alliance with the Philippines to new heights,” Lipton said.
The ambassador said the Philippines and the United States have shared a strong relationship for more than one-third of America’s 250-year history, adding that his mission is to make the partnership “even better.”
Lipton, who arrived in the Philippines earlier this week, also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for the warm welcome he received during their meeting two days before the reception.
Lipton said his tenure begins at a significant point in bilateral relations, with the Philippines and the United States set to commemorate the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.
“We are so excited to make a difference, starting with the 80th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with the Philippines,” he said.
“We have some really big plans to bring American business, jobs, investments, assistance, and so much more to the Filipino people,” he added.
The reception, dubbed “Freedom 250,” marked the 250th anniversary of the United States’ independence.
Lipton noted that July 2 holds particular historical significance, as the Continental Congress voted for American independence on that date in 1776. The Declaration of Independence was formally adopted two days later, on July 4.
“It was two days later, on the 4th of July, that the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted,” he said.
The ambassador ended his remarks with a toast to the United States’ 250th anniversary and the Philippines-U.S. relationship.