INCOMING United States Ambassador Sung Kim is expected to arrive either at the end of November or early December, a top embassy official said Wednesday.
US chargé d’affaires Michael Klecheski said embassy officials have been continuously briefing Kim on developments in the Philippines, particularly in the light of the Duterte administration’s avowed “pivot to China and Russia.”
“First of all Ambassador Kim is extremely excited to be coming here,” Klecheski said. We’ve been working with him, sending information, advising him. This is something that we’ve been doing for every new ambassador throughout the world.”
Klecheski reiterated Kim’s diplomatic background and stressed that his appointment had noting to do with the changes in Philippine foreign policy.
“No, no, that decision was made quite a few months ago. It was really not a deliberate decision, but obviously we look forward for his arrival here,” said Klecheski, a third-timer in the Philippines after assignments in Kazakhstan, Iraq, Poland, Switzerland and Russia.
“The bottomline is he represents the United States and that’s the critical factor,” he said, reiterating the State Department’s declaration that the US’ commitment to Philippines remains “ironclad.”
During Kim’s induction last week, US Secretary of State John Kerry said they will continue to assist the Filipino people and consult openly and honestly on issues of concern for both nations.
“We will continue to assist the Filipino people in the event of natural emergencies,” Kerry said, adding that the American government has an ironclad commitment to the sovereignty, independence, and security of the Philippines.
“We will continue to consult openly and honestly on issues of impact to both of our countries,” he added.
Kim, for his part, said the U.S. will continue to cultivate the friendship that has developed through the past 70 years as allies.
“I very much look forward to continuing our robust economic engagement and to reinforcing the good work USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation have done to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” Kim said.
