For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
November 20, 2001
U.S.-Philippine Joint Statement on Defense Alliance
Joint Statement Between George W. Bush and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the 50th Anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance
The United States and the Republic of the Philippines today
commemorated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Philippine
Mutual Defense Treaty, during the visit of President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo to Washington, D.C.
On this historic occasion, the two Presidents reaffirmed that
U.S.-Philippine relations are based on shared history, common values, a
commitment to freedom and democracy, and vigorous economic
ties. They observed that our alliance is an alliance between
two peoples, with 120,000 Americans resident in the Philippines and
over two million Americans of Filipino descent living in the United
States. Presidents Bush and Macapagal-Arroyo asserted that
the strong historical, cultural and personal links between the
Philippine and American people will continue to keep our alliance
strong and vital in a changing world.
In commemorating the anniversary, President Bush acknowledged the
brave contribution that Filipino Veterans of World War II have made to
freedom and democracy, and stated that he will carefully consider all
legislative proposals to ensure the sacrifices of these veterans are
recognized.
President Bush and President Macapagal-Arroyo agreed that the
Mutual Defense Treaty has been vital in advancing peace and stability
in the Asia Pacific for the past half a century. They noted
that the alliance remains a pillar of the U.S. security presence in
Asia, which helps preserve a strategic balance that favors freedom and
promotes prosperity throughout the region. The two leaders
further agreed that the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United
States, and the terrorist activities of the Abu Sayyaf Group or ASG
(which now hold both Filipino and American hostages in the southern
Philippines), underscore the urgency of ensuring that the two countries
maintain a robust defense partnership into the 21st century.
To further this goal, the two leaders underscored their
determination to strengthen their military alliance on a sustained
basis, through increased training, exercises, and other joint
activities. President Bush thanked President
Macapagal-Arroyo for her uncompromising leadership in the global
campaign against terror and expressed deep appreciation for the moral
support and assistance her government has provided the United States in
its time of need. The two Presidents declared that the
American and Filipino people stand together in the global campaign
against terrorism. Noting that the future peace and
prosperity of the world are at stake in the current conflict, both
leaders renewed their commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance and
expressed confidence that the international coalition will emerge
victorious over the forces of terror.
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