US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Tuesday celebrated the "enduring friendship" between the countries, which she said find strength in the diversity that they both share.

At the reception of the 247th anniversary of the US Independence Day or the Fourth of July, Carlson said the US will continue working "in concert with our friends, partners, and allies" across the world.

That, she said, brings her to another reason why July 4th is an important date to celebrate—it is also the founding of the Philippine-American Friendship Day.

The ties between the two countries have stood the test of time and flourished based on "our shared values, common interests and mutual respect," she said.

"One of the great strengths of both of our countries is our diversity," Carlson, who was celebrating for the first time the Fourth of July in the Philippines, said in her remark.

"The United States and the Philippines are home to people from varied backgrounds, cultures and traditions, held together by unifying ideals," she added.

Carlson said both the US and the Philippines draw on diversity "to generate opportunities for our citizens to thrive, to build stronger communities and to create a better future in which we come closer to achieving our ideals."

The US envoy expressed her gratitude for the close cooperation between the two countries and said she was optimistic for the future of the US and the Philippines.

"We pledge to continue working with the government and the people of the Philippines to strengthen our ties as steadfast friends, partners in prosperity and ironclad allies," she said.

"I'm so excited... to celebrate all  of the values, freedom... everything that Filipinos and Americans focus on when it comes to the establishment of our nations, and what makes us strong, not just as an alliance, but also as friends and partners," she also said in an interview with reporters.

Source:
courtesy of MANILA BULLETIN

by JOSEPH PEDRAJAS

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