PHL, US mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—TOP diplomats from the United States and the Philippines officially launched on March 27 a bilateral campaign to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their two countries.
The Philippines and the US established formal diplomatic relations on July 4, 1946—the same day the former gained its status as an independent and sovereign republic. Since then, the two countries have expanded and deepened bilateral cooperation in many areas—most notably defense and security, trade and commerce, as well as culture and education.
They are also marking the 70th year of the Mutual Defense Treaty that formalized their treaty alliance, enabling close security cooperation which enhancing mutual peace and security. The Philippines is the US’S oldest treaty ally in Asia.
“Some say 75 years is indeed a long time to stay as friends, partners, and allies; but I believe this is an undeniable testament to the depth and quality of the bilateral relationship,” the Philippines’s ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez said during a program held at the grounds of the Philippine Embassy in the American capital. “Our ties have withstood
the test of time, and have ser ved both our countries and peoples well.”
“As you know, I served as ambassador to the Philippines just recently, and it’s a true privilege to see first-hand the strength of the bond between our two countries,” averred US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Y. Kim. “It starts with the unbreakable friendship between Americans and Filipinos; of course, the robust military partnership that we have, and an equally strong economic partnership.”
Kim further remarked: “What really impressed me the most was the potential for us to develop the relationship even further, even deeper…i think that starts with the warmth, affection, and mutual respect between our two countries.”
Central to the anniversary celebration are the unbreakable bonds between the Filipino and American people who continue to strengthen bilateral relations. There are over 4
million American citizens of Philippine ancestry in the US. Under normal circumstances, more than 350,000 US citizens live and travel in the Philippines at any given time, with an estimated 650,000 of them visiting the country each year.
“Certainly, what truly binds our two countries together are our peoples, and it is for them that we are celebrating this momentous occasion,” Romualdez stated. “It also provides an opportunity for the Philippines and the US to not just take stock of what we have achieved together throughout the years, but also to reaffirm our commitment to more robust ties, and to a relationship that remains relevant in a world that will continue to face new and continuing challenges.”
The launch event marked the start of a year-long commemoration
through various activities and initiatives by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the US, as well as the US Embassy in the Philippines.
The latter’s Chargé d’affaires John Law joined the celebration by video link. He pointed out that “Over these decades, our countries have accomplished so much together… Moving forward, we will accomplish even more—thanks to the friendship, cooperation and mutual support between Americans and Filipinos.”
According to the US Embassy, the official logo of the 75th anniversary celebration highlights the common colors of the Philippine and American flags that symbolize their history, as well as the sun, stars and stripes that represent hope for the future of their deep relationship.