United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said they are supporting Philippine efforts in solving conflicts through peaceful measures.
During the recent US Independence Day celebration at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Goldberg said that, for more than 70 years, they have stood together with the Philippines as allies.
“We continue to face the future together shoulder-to-shoulder; confident in an alliance that is tried and tested,” Goldberg said.
He added: “No one should question our commitment to the Philippines. At the same time, we salute the Philippines for its efforts in solving regional problems peacefully, legally and diplomatically.”
Goldberg said the two countries are doing more together now, with the Philippine government working to curve corruption and provide equitable growth.
“Suffice it to say, that our oldest ally in the region is also the oldest democracy in Asia,” he said.
For his part, Foreign Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said Philippine relationship with the US remains very strong, enduring and strategic.
“More than ever, our countries are bound together by the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law,” del Rosario said.
Del Rosario cited how the two countries, together, are addressing the challenge to freedom of navigation. He also cited the benefits the country is enjoying after being upgraded to Category 1 by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Goldberg cited that, even as they are celebrating their 239th independence day, it is also marked as the Philippines-US Friendship Day.
“We are here tonight to celebrate American declaration of independence. A declaration, that 239 years ago today, reclaimed a revolution in government and as transformation of human affairs. This upheaval was based on a simple premise that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator of certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty and pursuit of happiness,” Goldberg said.
The Independence Day celebration was held outside the US Embassy in Manila, as it is still undergoing extensive renovation.