Best of Pals, Honest

The American government said it made an "honest mistake" when it displayed an inverted Philippine flag (which wrongfully signified that the south-east Asian nation was in a state of war) in a meeting hosted by President Barack Obama.  A spokesburd waffled:

"This was an honest mistake, the US treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines."

So close it can't even work out which to display its flag?  Oops.