US: Enduring relationship with PH continues until we ‘officially’ hear otherwise

From Update. Ph (Sep 28): US: Enduring relationship with PH continues until we ‘officially’ hear otherwise

The United States sees its relationship with Philippines as one of its most enduring bilateral relationships within the Asia Pacific region and it has been a cornerstone of stability for 70 years.

“We’re going to keep up that cooperation until we hear otherwise,” US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said in a press conference.

Toner’s comment was made after confirming that they have heard President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech saying he told the Russian Prime Minister, “I think, I am about to cross the rubicon between me and the United States at least for the six years. I would need your help in everything: trade, commerce and I will open up.”

However, Toner said they have “not been officially contacted by Philippine authorities regarding any of the things that President Duterte has said.”

“With regard to them pursuing alliances or partnerships with China and Russia, they’re a sovereign nation and we’re certainly not going to hold them back from pursuing closer relations with either of those countries. And it’s not a zero-sum game. We believe that we can remain a close friend and partner with the Philippines,” he explained.

“We’re not deaf; we do hear what he says. And yet, I would just say that our cooperation with the Philippine Government remains strong and unabated, so we continue to engage in close cooperation, as I said, on a number of areas of interest. And that cooperation continues, so I don’t know what to call it – a disconnect or what – but we continue to work with the Filipino Government,” he added.

http://www.update.ph/2016/09/us-cooperation-with-ph-continues-until-we-officially-hear-otherwise/9777