04 November 2016

News Story: Kerry says confident about U.S.-Philippines ties despite differences

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday expressed confidence about the future of the U.S.-Philippines relationship, which has soured following Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's tirades against the U.S.

"I am confident about the future of our bilateral relationship, notwithstanding a difference here or there about one thing or another," Kerry said at the State Department as he swore in Sung Kim as the new U.S. ambassador to the Philippines.

"The United States continues to place a high value on the close ties that exist between our countries," Kerry said. "We continue to recognize our ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and security of the Philippines."

Kerry also expressed the hope to visit the Southeast Asian country before the end of his term as Secretary of State.

Read the full story at Xinhua