    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [November 20, 2001]
    [Pages 1433-1434]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement Between President George W. Bush and President Gloria
    Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines
    on the 50th Anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Alliance
    November 20, 2001

        The United States and the Republic of the Philippines today
    commemorated the 50th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Philippine
    Mutual Defense Treaty, during the visit of President Gloria Macapagal-
    Arroyo to Washington, D.C.
        On this historic occasion, the two Presidents reaffirmed that U.S.-
    Philippine relations are based on shared history, common values, a
    commitment to freedom and democracy, and vigorous economic ties. They
    observed that our alliance is an alliance between two peoples, with
    120,000 Americans resident in the Philippines and over two million
    Americans of Filipino descent living in the United States. Presidents
    Bush and Macapagal-Arroyo asserted that the strong historical, cultural
    and personal links between the Philippine and American people will
    continue to keep our alliance strong and vital in a changing world.
        In commemorating the anniversary, President Bush acknowledged the
    brave contribution that Filipino Veterans of World War II have made to
    freedom and democracy, and stated that he will carefully consider all
    legislative proposals to ensure the sacrifices of these veterans are
    recognized.
        President Bush and President Macapagal-Arroyo agreed that the Mutual
    Defense Treaty has been vital in advancing peace and stability in the
    Asia Pacific for the past half a century. They noted that the alliance
    remains a pillar of the U.S. security presence in Asia, which helps
    preserve a strategic balance that favors freedom and promotes prosperity
    throughout the region. The two leaders further agreed that the September
    11 terrorist attacks on the United States, and the terrorist activities
    of the Abu Sayyaf Group or ASG (which now hold both Filipino and
    American hostages in the southern Philippines), underscore the urgency
    of ensuring that the two countries maintain a robust defense partnership
    into the 21st century.
        To further this goal, the two leaders underscored their
    determination to strengthen their military alliance on a sustained
    basis, through increased training, exercises, and other joint
    activities. President Bush thanked President Macapagal-Arroyo for her
    uncompromising leadership in the global campaign against terror and
    expressed deep appreciation for the moral support and assistance her
    government has provided the United States in its time of need. The two
    Presidents declared that the American and Filipino people stand together
    in the global campaign against terrorism. Noting that the future peace
    and prosperity of the world are at stake in the current conflict, both
    leaders renewed their commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance and
    expressed confidence that the international coalition

    [[Page 1434]]

    will emerge victorious over the forces of terror.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.