By Pia-Lee Brago
MANILA, Philippines - An official of the US Department of State has described Philippines-US ties as “almost a family relationship.”
Thomas Shannon Jr., undersecretary of state for political affairs, said the Philippines and US face common challenges in fighting terrorism, drugs, illiteracy and poverty.
“The Philippines and the US are on the same team – allies – and though the challenges we face may be great, our teamwork and partnership will help us stay on the winning side,” Shannon said during a reception at the Philippine embassy in Washington in commemoration of the 119th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
With a growing economy and strong commitment to democracy and its institutions, he said the future looks bright for the Philippines.
“We are proud to stand by the Philippines as teammates, partners and family,” he added.
The two countries, he said, have a common set of core values: democracy, economic openness, rule of law and determined defense of our sovereignty and liberty.
“As we have been for over a half century, the US and Filipino peoples are united in our commitment to building a safe, secure and prosperous Asia Pacific region and wider world,” Shannon declared.
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