U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Office of the Spokesperson

June 9, 2011

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON

The Philippines’ National Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 113th anniversary of your declaration of independence this June 12.

The United States and the Philippines are long-standing friends and partners. We stood together during World War II to defend liberal democratic values.

Today, we are working together on many new fronts. Whether we are working to find ways to catalyze economic growth, helping victims of natural disasters, combating extremism, or calling for greater protection of human rights, our two countries share a vision of a better world.

We support the Philippine government’s commitment to fight corruption, promote judicial reform, reduce poverty, and create opportunities for its people. Our two countries are cooperating in new ways on everything from the Partnership for Growth joint effort to boost prosperity in the Philippines, to the Open Government Partnership initiative to improve governance and transparency around the globe.

Together through our Millennium Challenge Corporation compact we are working to reduce poverty through economic growth. The Philippines is a committed partner on so many issues.

Please accept my sincere thanks for your friendship and best wishes for your continued success and prosperity on this special day.