Malacañan Palace
17 December 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III received in Malacañang U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry who is in the country for a two-day visit.

The visit aims to strengthen the bilateral relations of the United States of America and the Philippines while managing the ongoing relief efforts of the U.S. in the typhoon-devastated areas. In their meeting, issues such as the broadening of security and economic cooperation, strengthening of people to people exchange, as well as humanitarian and disaster response were discussed.

In his statement, President Aquino called the U.S. Secretary of State as the country’s true friend for his strong support in the rule of law and in the peaceful resolution of territorial dispute within the region. The President expressed his gratitude to the country’s ally and said that the Philippines consider America as a true friend and a partner due to the extensive assistance it has given to the victims of typhoon Haiyan. He also thanked the U.S. government for sending Secretary Kerry on behalf of President Barack Obama.

In his reply, Secretary Kerry reaffirmed his country’s commitment to help rebuild and continue to stand with the Philippines in sharing values and aspirations, and in dealing with the problems regarding the South China Sea, as well as the challenges of its people, security and in building new trade relations.

It should be noted that the U.S., a long-time military ally of the Philippines, was among the first countries that sent troops, aircraft, navy ships and financial assistance after the country was hit by typhoon Yolanda last November 8, 2013.

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