PGMA's Statement during the Arrival Ceremonies at the White House |
South Lawn, The White House Washington D.C., U.S.A. (19 May 2003) |
| The relationship of our two
countries are deeper and warmer today than they have been in a very long time. Today, our two countries have revitalized and maturing alliance. Rooted in shared history, shared values, a common interest in global peace and prosperity, and a real commitment to combating terrorism and advancing freedom. Our alliance abides strong as ever even as the world today requires a new perspective on political and economic security in Asia pacific. This new perspective must recognize that while Asia must take greater responsibility for its own political and economic security, it must also recognize that strong relations with the U.S. will contribute greatly to regional peace and prosperity, stability and security especially from terrorism. Thus, we, your friends, must find a way to support continued and active engagement with the U.S. at a time when there are some forces in my region working against such a relationship. Although wisdom counts as commitment in the face of terror, the temptation to disengage is strong. We must fight that temptation because the answer to fear is confrontation. Indeed, we must close ranks and stand firm against terrorists threats however grave, however armed, and from whatever quarter. To spare themselves some countries might prefer an accommodation with terrorism -- the Philippines has chosen to fight terrorism. We compensate for such modest means as we command with an unshakeable resolve to defeat terrorism once and for all, and with faith in the justness of our cause and our friendship with the United States. Our war on terrorism has made significant gains but the threat is far from over. The war is not yet won, that it will be won there can be no doubt, how long and at what cost are the only things in doubt as the terrorist attack in Riyadh which took both Filipino and American lives shows. For the Philippines, the new perspective on economic and political security in Asia pacific must take into account the over seven million of our men and women who in seeking a better life abroad contribute greatly to the development of economies around the world, not least that of the United States. I am proud of these Filipino-Americans. I am proud of the contributions that Filipinos and Filipino-Americans make to the American economy and society in a quiet but equally substantive way we can compare it to the contribution made by Philippine World War II veterans to the defense of our common freedom and security. I also take pride in the robust economic and trade ties that bind the Philippines and the United States. The Philippines is pursuing long needed economic reforms. The current and continuing reforms will strengthen the Philippine republic. They will make easier Philippine and American economic cooperation, and they will promote the cause of fighting world poverty. I appreciate the help of president bush in our work to alleviate poverty and other socio-economic ills from which terrorism draws its strength. Like the fear on which it feeds, terrorism can be contagious and it will not be contained unless we agree on a comprehensive approach for defeating it in Southeast Asia. And so, in looking forward to discussing that comprehensive approach, I look forward to my talks with president bush and his officials in this administration. And I hope president bush reciprocates this visit by accepting a state visit to the Philippines towards the end of this year. Thank you. |