Good afternoon, everyone. And welcome – please sit down – welcome to the
State Department, to the Ben Franklin Room, where we are so honored to
be hosting President Aquino and the Philippine delegation and
celebrating the enduring friendship between our two countries.
Together, the United States and the Philippines are writing a new
chapter in our storied alliance and building a multifaceted relationship
for the 21
st century. Our trade and economic linkages
continue to deepen through initiatives like the Partnership for Growth.
And just a few minutes ago, Secretary del Rosario and I signed a new
agreement that will spur joint efforts on science and technology,
because when our scientists share their ideas and their resources, not
only do our two countries but the world reaps the benefits. And we are
also increasing the number of United States Peace Corps volunteers in
the Philippines. (Applause.)
Last year, I celebrated the 60
th anniversary of the Mutual
Defense Treaty in Manila, and Secretary Panetta and I co-hosted our
counterparts for the first time ever last April. Our special forces have
been working side by side with their Filipino counterparts. We are also
working closely together to increase information and intelligence
exchanges and coordination on maritime domain issues. And in this
context, I'm pleased to announce today that the United States will
support the construction, outfitting, and training of a new National
Coast Watch Center in the Philippines. (Applause.)
As allies, our two nations consult on important regional issues, as
we have done regarding our respective diplomacy in the South China Sea.
As I’ve said many times, the United States does not take a position on
the competing territorial claims in the South China Sea. But we do,
however, have a clear interest in the maintenance of peace and
stability, freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and
unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea. (Applause.)
In this context, we welcome the initial steps to defuse tensions
surrounding the Scarborough Reef taken by President Aquino. And we
encourage continued diplomatic dialogue and further efforts to lessen
tension, to disengage, and to resolve the situation peacefully. The
United States has been consistent in that we oppose the use of force or
coercion by any claimant to advance its claims, and we will continue to
monitor the situation closely. We also call on ASEAN and China to
conclude their efforts to reach consensus on a code of conduct for the
South China Sea.
Now, President Aquino first came to the United States over 30 years
ago to seek asylum with his family as political turmoil ravaged his
country. Today, I welcome him here to reaffirm our shared future based
on mutual respect and interests, our common democratic values, new
partnerships, and the bonds between our peoples.
I think, Mr. President, you can see from just looking out here that
we have quite a few Filipino Americans here today. And indeed –
(applause) – if we’d had a room twice or three times as big, you’d see
even more Filipino Americans, because this is time not only to celebrate
the friendship between our nations, but it is also a time to recognize
the many contributions of Filipino Americans to our nation and the
gratitude we have that Filipino culture, family ties, and connections
have enriched the United States so much.
So please join me in a toast to the president and to the people of
the Philippines, and to the partnership and friendship between the
United States and the Philippines. Cheers, Mr. President.
