Duterte meets new US ambassador Sung Kim
NEW US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim on Tuesday, Dec. 6, presented his credentials to President Rodrigo R. Duterte, with whom Mr. Kim said he had “a lengthy, substantive discussion.”
“I am very pleased to have presented my credentials to President Duterte just now and with that, [ we had] a lengthy, substantive discussion. And I am grateful for the time that President Duterte afforded me today,” Mr. Kim said of his meeting with Mr. Duterte, adding:
“It is an incredible honor for me to be in the Philippines to have this opportunity to contribute to one of America’s most enduring partnerships.”
“[ A] t the heart” of Washington’s long-standing alliance with Manila is “the deep bond between the peoples of our two countries,” Mr. Kim also said.
“There is indeed tremendous “kalooban,” the extraordinary spirit, warmth and strength in our relationship,” he added. The first time Mr. Kim mentioned the Filipino word was his oath taking on Nov. 3 before outgoing US Secretary of State John F. Kerry, who called Mr. Kim the “George Clooney of the foreign service.”
“Over the weeks, months and years ahead, I look forward to working closely with the Philippines’ government and Filipino people to expand our relationship and to engage in many areas of mutual interest,” Mr. Kim said further, adding that the partnership between Washington and Manila is an “important relationship based on mutual respect.”
“I am eager to get to know the Filipino people, to travel from the rolling hills of Batanes, to the beaches of Tawi-Tawi and to experience Philippines’ rich culture.”
Mr. Kim ended his statement by thanking Mr. Duterte and “the people of the Philippines for the warm welcome.”
“Maraming salamat! Thank you!”