27 August2004 – US Ambassador Francis Ricciardone today called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo and conveyed the congratulations of the U.S. government on Secretary Romulo’s appointment.  During the meeting, Ambassador Ricciardone also reiterated the commitment of the US government and his own personal commitment to stronger ties between the Philippines and the U.S.

“Ambassador Ricciardone and I had a very good preliminary meeting.  We have had the opportunity to interact on several occasions when I was Executive Secretary and so I know him and his personal commitment to RP-US relations quite well,” Secretary Romulo said after the call.

“Though this is the first time he is calling on me in my capacity as Foreign Secretary, we were able to discuss at some length important aspects of our relationship as well as coming milestones that will mark the importance both countries give to this relationship,” Secretary Romulo added.

Among the matters discussed were cooperation on the Philippine Defense Reform Program, the visit of U.S. investment delegations and economic officials, and preparations for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the end of WWII.

Aside from discussing these matters, Secretary Romulo brought to Ambassador Ricciardone’s attention several pending issues.  “Our relations remain strong and it is in the context of these relations that we will address all pending matters between our countries,” the Secretary said.

Anticipating that there will be queries as to whether or not the issue of the deployment of a Philippine Contingent to Iraq was discussed, Secretary Romulo said that “this matter was not raised or discussed.”  END