00:00The Philippines, deeply familiar with the atrocities brought about by war between and
00:08amongst nations, has always chosen the path of peace.
00:13And I can assure all of you that we will continue to do so.
00:18Through diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation, we have successfully maintained a region that
00:23is peaceful, stable, and prosperous.
00:26We have and will continue to work with partners in the international community in building
00:31bridges, forging solutions, preserving our global commons.
00:36The Philippines will always make a stand, and will always stand for what is right.
00:41In a world where the only thing that appears to be constant is change, we are thus gratified
00:46by our enduring alliance, our partnership, and friendship with the United States.
00:52Especially towards advancing our common agenda of peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
00:58In peace and in war, through natural disasters and pandemics, Philippine-U.S. relations are
01:04firmly anchored on the values and principles that we cherish – peace, democracy, fairness,
01:12social progress, and justice.
01:15Our two nations are committed to the preservation and enhancement of national security, the
01:19attainment of economic prosperity, and the promotion of the rights and well-being of
01:23our peoples.
01:25Whether we gather, as we do today, to remember the liberation of Manila some 80 years ago,
01:32or during joint military exercises, as our armed forces will in a few weeks' time,
01:37for Balikatan, there is no doubt that our relationship is robust, with our two countries
01:43continuing to work together to address common challenges.
01:48Let me end by noting that the Battle of Manila offers a lot of lessons and represents a great
01:54many opportunities.
01:56I am pleased to see many of the embassies joining us in this important event.
02:00I am sure that you will gain a better understanding of our country and our people in learning
02:06about our past.
02:09We are proud of our history, and even prouder of the relationships and alliance that we
02:13have built over the many years, bound by our shared history and our common commitment
02:20to a region governed by rules, not by might, where the rights of countries, large or small,
02:26are respected.
02:27The Philippines recognizes challenges that lie ahead and is assured that we can continue
02:33to count on the help of friends, as we have done so over the last 80 years.
02:40Our shared experience, fighting side-by-side 80 years ago, continues to provide meaning
02:46and focus for the modern U.S.-Philippine alliance.
02:50Our bilateral ties are stronger than ever, as we work together today to address shared
02:56challenges ranging from maritime security and disaster response, to complex 21st century
03:03concerns such as those that we encounter in space and cyber.
03:10For more UN videos visit www.un.org
Comments