Obama: PHL a 'key voice' in Southeast Asia

US President Barack Obama described the Philippines as a “key voice" in Southeast Asia that can lead international efforts in various issues. “[Obama] described the Philippines as a key voice in the region that is well-positioned to lead efforts to address such challenges as climate change, global pandemics, and non-proliferation," the Philippine Embassy in Washington said in a statement Saturday. The Philippines has a vital role in “ensuring that the region’s evolving architecture advances peace, security, and economic opportunity," the embassy quoted Obama as saying. Obama relayed this message to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr., who presented his credentials to the US President at the White House Friday. Obama also noted the US and the Philippines “work closely together on an important range of issues, including humanitarian projects, supporting war veterans, or combating transnational threats." The US’ treaty alliance with the Philippines is “one of the United States’ most enduring international relationships," according to Obama. “Our long-standing partnership promotes peace, development, and prosperity around the world," Obama said, according to the embassy. PHL-US relations Obama extended a warm welcome to Cuisia and his family, saying he looked forward to working closely with Cuisia “to deepen the already-close relations between our two countries." For his part, Cuisia said his mandate from President Benigno Aquino III is “to leverage the enduring and strategic Philippine-United States relations into concrete opportunities for mutual benefit in the areas of national security, economic development, and protection and security of the people of both countries." Cuisia also conveyed the Aquino administration’s commitment to shaping a new Philippines marked by good governance, equal opportunities for all, access to basic social services, within safe communities. He informed Obama it will be his “privilege" to actively participate in crafting the next chapter in Philippine-US relations. — JE, GMA News