DFA welcomes Kerry nomination

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday welcomed the nomination of Sen. John Kerry as the next US Secretary of State.

US President Barack Obama nominated Kerry, chairman of the Senate foreign relations committee, hoping for a smooth confirmation by the Senate.

If confirmed, Kerry will replace Secretary Hillary Clinton, who announced plans to leave early next year after four years as the top US diplomat.

Kerry is expected to win easy confirmation from his Senate colleagues.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the nomination of Senator John Kerry as secretary of state and looks forward to engaging with him in sustaining the upward trajectory of Philippines-US relations which flourished during the tenure of Secretary Hillary Clinton,” the DFA said in a statement.

“The department is confident that Senator Kerry’s wealth of experience, especially his chairmanship of the Senate committee on foreign relations, would serve him well in this new capacity,” DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said.

Kerry often acted as the President’s unofficial envoy for trouble spots, particularly Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The senator also played a key role in passing a multi-year aid bill for Pakistan.

“We wish him all the best as he begins a new chapter in his long career in public service,” the DFA said.

Obama said Kerry, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, had played a central role in every US foreign policy debate for 30 years, saying his “entire life” prepared him for his new role.

Kerry’s colleagues at the US Senate welcomed his appointment, including fellow Vietnam War veteran John McCain.

“We have known John Kerry for many years. We have confidence in John Kerry’s ability to carry out the job,” McCain said.

Kerry also played an important role in Obama’s political career, notably by picking him to give the keynote speech in the 2004 Democratic convention, at which the then unknown Illinois lawmaker burst onto the political scene.