MANILA, Philippines — The relationship between the Philippines and the United States should be focused more on the activities on the ground and less on President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncements, US Ambassador Sung Kim said.

Despite Duterte's apparent anti-US sentiments, Kim said that it would be more productive for the two countries to focus on the ground with initiatives and programs with cooperation.

"For me, what’s more important than public statements is what is actually happening in the relationship and President Duterte has been very supportive in terms of doing whatever we can to strengthen our alliance," Kim said in an interview on GMA News TV's "State of the Nation."

In the past, Duterte made crude remarks against the US after it expressed concern over human rights violations in the conduct of the president's anti-drug campaign.

In October last year, the president announced that he is cutting ties with the US, which he also retracted after a few days.

READ: Duterte says he won't sever ties with US

The ambassador said that the Philippines and the US should focus on making sure that their economic engagement remains strong.

"I think what's more important is what we actually do together," he said.

Kim also said that he was not surprised that the Philippines is seeking to improve its relations with China.

"The fact that the Philippines would want an improved relation with China is not surprising and does not, in any way, undermine our relationship with the Philippines. I think, in fact, all countries in the region would want to have smooth relations with China," Kim said.

The ambassador added that he believes the Philippines and any other country should pursue an independent foreign policy.

Washington's top diplomat—Kim's superior—is set to arrive in Manila next week to attend the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to raise various issues including human rights concerns, the Marawi conflict and terrorism with his counterparts in the Philippines at the sidelines of the ASEAN-related meetings.

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