The United States congratulated representatives of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for signing the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro on Thursday. "[This is] a historic milestone that will pave the way to end the violence that has plagued the southern Philippines for decades," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters. "We welcome this development and commend both sides, along with the Malaysian government, which facilitated the negotiations, for their persistence and determination in reaching this agreement," Harf said during the daily press briefing. "The United States fully supports the ongoing peace and reconciliation process, and we encourage all parties to continue their efforts to ensure a future of peace, prosperity, and stability in the southern Philippines," Harf added.
