Kristie Kenney, a career diplomat who also served as ambassador to Ecuador from 2002 to 2005, is the first female US envoy to the Philippines, replacing Francis Ricciardone, who became ambassador to Egypt last year.
"We each have the goal of making our democracies strong and stable so that every citizen’s vote has meaning," she told the US Senate committee on foreign relations during her confirmation hearings in January.
Upon her arrival in Manila last week, she told reporters: "This is one of the most special countries for the United States. We have such a long relationship and we feel very close as people.
"I believe our historic relationship with the Philippines will continue to flourish as we pursue our common vision of peace, stability, and prosperity. I will work to promote US interests by developing a relationship with the leadership and people of the Philippines that will benefit both our nations," Kenney added.
Mrs. Arroyo greeted Kenney at Malacañang, saying, "Welcome to the Philippines. We look forward to working with you," according to an official statement.
Aside from Kenney, Mrs. Arroyo also received the credentials of South African Ambassador Pieter Andries Vermeulen.
The simple ceremonies for Kenney and Vermeulen were held at the Palace’s reception hall. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo witnessed the presentation of credentials of the two new ambassadors to the country.
Kenney arrived in Manila on March 17, 11 days after she was sworn in by US State Department Secretary Condoleezza Rice as the new US envoy to the Philippines.
A senior member of the US foreign service, Kenney is also the first woman to serve as executive secretary of the State Department.
Kenney’s overseas postings include that of economic counselor at the US Mission to International Organizations in Geneva, economic officer at the US embassy in Argentina, and consular officer at the US embassy in Jamaica.
Vermeulen, on the other hand, was accompanied by his wife Christina, South African embassy counselor Eugene Grobles and First Secretaries Sylvia Matona and Pierre de Villiers. — Aurea Calica, AP