WASHINGTON – The Philippine-U.S. relationship stands as a model for ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific and America is proud to call the Philippines a friend and ally, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.

In a statement released in Washington on the eve of Philippine Independence Day, Pompeo congratulated Filipinos on the 120th anniversary of their country’s independence proclamation.

On this special occasion “we remember and honor our enduring alliance,” Pompeo said.

The alliance, Pompeo said, was “underpinned by a shared history, rich people-to-people ties and a strong and growing spirit of cooperation on trade and security.”

The Philippine embassy is holding an independence day reception on Tuesday, June 12, at the famously expensive Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington.

But the party might lose some of its shine because of the U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore which has drained Washington of many top-level officials who could have been in attendance.

The threat of demonstrations outside the hotel by opponents of President Duterte has also not helped any.