House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez has expressed the Philippine government’s deep gratitude to the United States (US) for helping the country fight the coronavirus disease-19 (Covid-19) pandemic, according to a statement his office released on Thursday.

In a meeting with US State Department Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink in Washington DC, it said Romualdez conveyed the Philippines’ sincere appreciation for the US’ assistance.

“As we both affirm the strengthening of Philippine-US partnership today, we would like to seize this occasion also to extend our gratitude for the continued cooperation to our country as well as your valuable assistance in our fight against the Covid-19 pandemic,” he was quoted as saying.

The US has provided more than P2.5 billion in support of the Philippines’ Covid-19 response, according to the US Embassy in the Philippines website.

Romualdez said he met with the US official to firm ties between the two countries, and bolster ongoing and future bilateral initiatives, particularly in the area of economic cooperation.

“We are thankful that our alliance has remained robust, and I believe that an enhanced dialogue between the US and the Philippines would help cement the bond of friendship that we have forged throughout the years,” he added.

The Leyte first district representative assured Kritenbrink that the Philippine House of Representatives “remains committed in supporting measures that would help deepen cooperation with the United States particularly in the areas of supply chain, health and security, environment and climate change, energy security, and interconnectivity.”

Romualdez was confident that the meeting “would further lead to stronger relations between our countries, and would help attaining peace and prosperity in the entire Asia-Pacific region.” 

Photo Credit: Philippine News Agency