MANILA, Philippines – The new US ambassador has vowed to expand ties between Manila and Washington, which have been strained by differences over President Duterte’s war on drugs.
Ambassador Sung Kim issued the statement after he presented his credentials to Duterte at Malacañang yesterday, where he and the President talked for about an hour.
“I am very pleased to have presented my credentials to President Duterte. We had a lengthy, substantive discussion. I am grateful for the time the President afforded me,” Kim told Palace journalists.
“It is an incredible honor for me to be in the Philippines and to have this opportunity to contribute to one of America’s most enduring partnerships,” he added.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the conversation between Duterte and Kim was “fruitful.”
Kim said Filipinos and American have a “deep bond” and a relationship with tremendous kalooban or will, extraordinary spirit, warmth and strength.
He said the two countries have a close friendship, strong alliance and economic ties that are “long-standing and extensive.”
Kim said he is enthusiastic about the potential to grow the two countries’ two-way economic partnership.
“Over the weeks, months and years ahead, I look forward to working closely with the Philippine government and Filipino people, to expand our relationship and to engage in many areas of mutual interest,” he said.
“This important relationship is based on mutual respect. I am confident that our mutual respect, combined with the close ties and shared history and values, will ensure stability in our relationship over the long term and the years and decades to come.”
Kim said he is grateful to Duterte for his warm welcome and that he is looking forward to knowing the Filipino people and traveling to different parts of the Philippines.
Kim is a career member of the senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor. He served as special representative for North Korea policy and deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of East Asia and Pacific Affairs at the US State Department.
He had also served as ambassador to Korea; political officer at the US embassy in Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur, and vice-consul of the US consulate in Hong Kong.