MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday bid farewell to United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, acknowledging both the diplomatic ties fostered during her tenure.
The President received the outgoing US ambassador in a farewell call in Malacañang.
"The Philippines expresses its appreciation to Ambassador MaryKay Carlson for her service and contributions to strengthening the Philippines–United States alliance," Marcos said in social media post.
"As she concludes her tenure, we wish her every success and look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the United States," he added.
Appointed by former US president Joe Biden in 2022, Carlson, a seasoned career diplomat, spearheaded efforts to expand the two allies' defense cooperation and strengthen economic ties amid evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific, such as China's growing aggression in the South China Sea.
US President Donald Trump has named Lee Lipton, a businessman from Florida, to replace Carlson.