US envoy: Defense, other treaties are at the heart of commitment to help the Philippines

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Friday visited President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. as she vowed the US would continue its partnership with the Philippines.

"We are fellow democracies, bound by a rich shared history. We share the powerful, positive ties of family, embodied in the four million Filipino-Americans in the United States and the 350,000 US citizens in the Philippines," Carlson said.

"Our alliance is a bedrock of our bond, and our Mutual Defense Treaty and other agreements are at the heart of our commitment to help defend the Philippines’ sovereignty and independence," she added.

During her visit, Carlson presented her credentials to Marcos thus marking the official start of her term as envoy.

"I arrived in Manila inspired by the bond between our great nations and devoted to making it even stronger. I feel especially fortunate to arrive in the early days of your administration," Carlson said in her remarks during her visit to Marcos.

"The United States is committed to partnering with you and your team as you move ahead. As you act to ensure the security, prosperity, and freedoms of the Philippine people, we are here to help, and invested in your success," she added.

Carlson said she looked forward to the Philippines and the US working together to develop new trade and investment ties, partner on clean energy solutions, protect marine and terrestrial resources, and help tackle the climate crisis. — DVM, GMA News