Blinken: US commitment of defense unwavering
UNITED States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday sent assurances of support through a special greeting to the Philippines as the country commemorated its 126th Independence Day.
«As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in our commitment to the defense of the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty,» Blinken said.
He added that scientific and technology cooperation, as well as economic investment and security collaboration between Washington and Manila, reflect the robust relationship between the two parties.
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken. AFP Photo«Today, I reaffirm the longstanding United States-Philippines alliance and celebrate the vibrant ties between our peoples, rooted in our long and interwoven history and shared sacrifice,» Blinken said.
He added that the US and the Philippines were committed to realizing their shared ideals as democracies, among them upholding international law and promoting human rights.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), urged Filipinos to ponder on the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration: kalayaan (freedom), kinabukasan (future) and kasaysayan (history).
Advertisement«These three words encapsulate the importance of honoring the sacrifice of our forebears endured in their struggle for self-determination,» Manalo said.
He added that the three words were a call for Filipinos to safeguard the freedom they gained in 1898 and the democracy they enjoy today.
«Perhaps most importantly, kalayaan, kinabukasan, kasaysayan should be a constant reminder of the significance of the continuing task of nation-building that lies before us. But while our founding parents gained our independence, we are called to employ innovation, ingenuity, and perseverance to build a thriving democracy firmly on the path to a lasting, broadly shared progress,» Manalo said.
