Kim to remain focused on US-Philippines ties while waiting for next post

July 16, 2019

United States Ambassador Sung Kim on Tuesday said he will remain focused on strengthening ties with the Philippines even after the announcement of US President Donald Trump that he will be nominated as the next ambassador of Indonesia.

In a press conference in Makati City, Kim said he is “grateful and excited” about the announcement.

“As you know, President (Donald) Trump has announced his intent to nominate me to be the next ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.

“I was grateful and excited about it but for now I remain focused on US-Philippines relationship,” he added.

While there is still no decision for his next assignment, Kim expressed how it was an opportunity and privileged for him to serve as the US ambassador to the Philippines.

“So I remain focused on my work here in Manila and will continue to do so until there is no clear sense of timing for my next assignment,” he said.

On July 10, the White House’s official website posted a statement on Trump’s intent to nominate Kim to be the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia.

The White House has yet to name the next US ambassador to the Philippines. Ella Dionisio/DMS