[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 47 (Monday, November 26, 2001)]
[Page 1697]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 will emerge 
victorious over the forces of terror.

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