Statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Designation of Mike Pompeo as New US Secretary of State

13 March 2018 — Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is a good friend of the Philippines who played a crucial role in strengthening our relations with the United States during his term as Secretary of State.

We thank Secretary Tillerson for his friendship and the support he has extended to the Philippines and the Filipino people particularly during the period when our relations with the United States were facing challenges. We pray for the best for Secretary Tillerson in all his future endeavors.

We congratulate Mike Pompeo on his designation as the new Secretary of State. We look forward to working with him and further strengthening the special relationship between the Philippines and the United States.

We are confident of more cooperation and collaboration with Washington with Secretary-designate Pompeo at the helm of the Department of State. END