OUTGOING United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on Friday said she remains confident that the US-Philippine relations will continue to grow, highlighting the dedication of embassy teams and the strong network of American and Filipino partners supporting bilateral ties.
In her farewell statement, Carlson underscored that the friendship, partnership, and alliance between the two countries has never been stronger or more significant.
“The sheer number of visits and engagements by senior-level U.S. officials and business leaders demonstrates the importance Americans place on relations with the Philippines,” she said.
Carlson added that the two countries have made significant progress in trade and economic cooperation, describing their collaboration as being “on hyperdrive.”
She pointed out that over the past three years, the U.S. and the Philippines have participated in more than 500 security-related activities and exercises, enhancing joint interoperability and readiness to address emerging threats.
Moreover, she cited substantial US support for Philippine defense modernization, including funding and technology transfers aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Philippine Armed Forces and the Coast Guard.
“The United States introduced targeted maritime assistance programs to promote freedom of navigation and counter coercion in the West Philippine Sea. We also worked together to save lives by providing military airlifts that delivered food packs and emergency supplies to Filipinos throughout the country,” she added.
She stated that establishing and nurturing trust is essential for strong relationships, defining diplomacy as the promotion of mutual respect to achieve shared goals based on common values.
On Dec. 29, U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Jameson DeBose stated that the envoy would complete her service this month.
In October, President Donald Trump appointed former businessman Lee Lipton as the new U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, succeeding Carlson.
The US State Department has stated that Lipton’s nomination has been sent to the U.S. Senate for confirmation.
If confirmed, Lipton will take over Carlson, who arrived in the Philippines in July 2022.
