No marked changes in US relations with new envoy

"Considering the excellent relationship between President Gloria Arroyo and President Obama, and that the incoming ambassador is a personal choice of President Obama, the appointment of Harry Thomas Jr as the new United States Ambassador to the Philippines will herald friendlier, warmer, better US-Philippines relations," Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said.

Remonde issued this statement as the White House announced Thomas's appointment. Thomas, who replaces Kristie Kenney, will be the first African-American envoy to the Philippines.

Thomas joined the diplomatic service in 1984 and had served as US Ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005 and Director for South Asia at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2002.

Remorse

Although the appointment is yet to be confirmed by the US Senate, Kenney, expressed remorse that she is leaving the country she had considered her second home. "I have come to deeply appreciate not just the warmth and friendship of Filipinos, but also their determination to make their country, region, and world a better place for their children and grandchildren.

Kenney had been the first female ambassador to the Philippines. Under Kenney, relations between the two allies had flourished with even greater cooperation in the area of security.