By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

NEW US ENVOY. Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez (right) meets U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton at the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. ahead of his departure for the Philippines in mid-June. Both ambassadors discussed collaboration on trade and investment, defense and national security, cultural exchanges and shared regional priorities. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.)

MANILA – The United States Senate has confirmed the nomination of Florida businessman Lee Lipton as the Trump administration’s new ambassador to the Philippines.

Philippine Ambassador to U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez on Wednesday confirmed that Lipton would arrive in Manila for his tour of duty “mid-June.”

In his opening statement before his confirmation hearing in March, Lipton affirmed the Trump administration’s “unwavering resolve to uphold” the United States’ alliance with the Philippines, including its commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty.

“My goal will be to deepen U.S.–Philippine security cooperation, strengthen supply chains, advance the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, and promote fair and transparent trade through close and continuing engagements with this (US Senate Foreign Affairs) Committee, the US Interagency, and our Philippine Allies,” he said.

Lipton brings over 25 years of private sector experience to his diplomatic role.

Prior to his appointment, he served as Interim Permanent Representative of the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American States, where he managed interagency coordination to advance U.S. foreign policy priorities in the Western Hemisphere.

Lipton met Romualdez on May 19, ahead of his departure to the Philippines, and discussed opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement, security cooperation, people-to-people ties, and regional collaboration.

The two envoys agreed to work and expand cooperation in emerging strategic sectors, including energy, processing of critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, and resilient supply chains.

They also exchanged views on regional and global developments, including the Philippines’ chairship of Association of Southeast Asian Nations and its candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council this coming June.

Romualdez for his part expressed confidence that the U.S.-Philippines relations would continue to grow under their shared commitment to advancing the interests of both countries and peoples.

Lipton succeeds former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson. (PNA)