Arroyo expects ‘ever better’ ties with US through new envoy

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday said she expects an “ever better" relationship between the United States and the Philippines through the newly-appointed American ambassador to the country. Arroyo said this after formally meeting new US ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas on Monday during his courtesy call on Malacanang. Thomas, who presented his credentials to Arroyo in the courtesy call, said he is looking forward to working with the Philippine government during his stint in the country. The new US envoy to the country also expressed willingness to learn the Tagalog language to better interact with Filipinos. "I am honored to be in this wonderful country and to be ambassador to the Philippines, to have been chosen by President (Barack) Obama to be his personal representative to this wonderful country. I look forward to frequent interactions with the government and its people and thank you so much for coming today. It means a lot to me," he said after the courtesy call. Also present during the courtesy call were Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo. After his presentation of credentials to Arroyo, the new US ambassador dropped by the Luneta Park to lay a wreath at the monument of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Thomas was confirmed as ambassador to the Philippines by the US Senate on March 19, replacing former ambassador Kristie Kenney. Prior to being US envoy to the Philippines, Thomas served as US ambassador to Bangladesh, director-general of the Foreign Service and director for human resources of the US State Department.—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV, GMANews.TV