| President Bush, Mrs. Bush, Vice President Cheney, Mrs. Cheney, Secretary
Powell, Mrs. Powell, Secretary Rumsfeld, General Myers, officials of the U.S. government,
excellencies of the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, President Bush, for
inviting me to this state visit. It only confirms that relations between our two countries
are deeper and warmer today than they have been in a very long time.
Today our two
countries have a 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 counsels 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 terrorist 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 unshakable
resolve to defeat terrorism once and for all, and with faith in the justice 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. But
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 cost 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. |