US diplomat tags PH as close ally in new war

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): US diplomat tags PH as close ally in new war

Allies in war 75 years ago, Philippines and the United States are allies now still, but this time against a different enemy: international terrorism.

The commemoration of 75th Araw ng Kagitingan led Michael Klecheski, charge d’ affaires of US Embassy, to recall the alliance of Filipino and American troops against invading Japan in World War II.

Klecheski said Filipinos today continue to draw strength from the forged binds built decades ago by “brave Filipino and American men and women who fought with honor during those desperate weeks of 1942.”

“Ours is a really powerful alliance that stood the test of time, but it has been enhanced by legacy of the era,” he said.

The two countries have since framed strong relationship with Japan, and now that the challenge of international terrorism has emerged, US has called for a united front.

Klecheski said these nations are unified in fighting the scourge of terrorism that plagues Philippines and continues to stave off further international investments.

“We must also remember the importance of standing together as the Philippines and United States have done in many, many decades,” he said.

“We must recommit to continue standing together as the close allies that our two countries have been.”

The diplomat said the Philippines, US, Japan and other countries have forged a rules-based order in Asia that has created stability, which nations must continue to defend.

This developed as Japan and Southeast Asian nations confront regional issues on maritime and extremism, with reports on piracy in Philippine waters and secessionism in the country’s south.

“We must also remember the horrors of war and we must remember the importance of striving for peace,” Klecheski said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and Klecheski offered wreaths of flower in Mt. Samat National Shrine in honor of war veterans.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1951491820474/us-diplomat-tags-ph-as-close-ally-in-new-war