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PH-US
Diplomatic Relations 75th Anniversary Logo - Singles
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Philippines-United States of America (PH-US) Diplomatic Relations -
75th Anniversary
(Left to right) U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for East
Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim; Philippine Ambassador
to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez; and U.S. Principal
Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Ambassador Atul Keshap at the launch of the yearlong celebration of
the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations
between the Philippines and the United States on 26 March 2021 at
the Philippine Embassy in the United States, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Embassy in the Philippines
Philippines and United States Celebrate
75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Washington, D.C., March 26, 2021.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States
Jose Manuel Romualdez and U.S. Acting Assistant Secretary of State
for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Ambassador Sung Kim officially
launched today a bilateral campaign to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the
Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the
Philippines and the United States of America.
“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. Our ties have withstood the test of time and have
served both our countries and peoples well,” Ambassador Romualdez
said during a program held on the grounds of the Philippine Embassy
in Washington, D.C.
The Philippines and
the United States established formal diplomatic relations on July 4,
1946 – the same day that the Philippines 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, and culture and
education. This year, the two countries are also marking the 70th anniversary
of the Mutual Defense Treaty that formalized our treaty alliance,
which enables close security cooperation that enhances mutual peace
and security. The Philippines is the United States’ oldest treaty
ally in Asia.
“As you know, I served as Ambassador to the
Philippines just recently and it’s a true privilege to see firsthand
the strength of the bond between our two countries. Starting with
the unbreakable friendship between Americans and Filipinos, of
course, the robust military partnership that we have, and an equally
strong economic partnership. I think what really impressed me the
most was the potential for us to develop the relationship even
further, even deeper, and again, I think that starts with the
warmth, affection, and mutual respect between our two countries,”
said Ambassador Sung Kim.
Central to the anniversary celebration are
the unbreakable bonds between the Filipino and American people, who
continue to strengthen bilateral relations. There are over four
million U.S. citizens of Philippine ancestry in the United States,
and under normal circumstances, more than 350,000 U.S. citizens
living and traveling in the Philippines at any given time, with an
estimated 650,000 U.S. citizens visiting the Philippines 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. It also provides an opportunity
for the Philippines and the United States 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,” Ambassador Romualdez further stated.
The launch event marks the start of a
yearlong commemoration through various activities and initiatives by
the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in the United States,
and the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines.
U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé
d’Affaires John Law joined the celebration by video link,
stating “Over these decades, our countries have accomplished so much
together, and moving forward, we will accomplish even more thanks to
the friendship, cooperation, and mutual support between Americans
and Filipinos.”
The official logo of
the 75th anniversary
celebration highlights the common colors of the Philippine and
American flags, which symbolize the two countries’ shared history,
and the sun, stars, and stripes that represent hope for the future
of this deep relationship.