Metro Manila, Philippines – The leaders of the Philippines, United States, and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to formalize the trilateral partnership, in particular on the economy, maritime security, and technology.
In a virtual meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba discussed the progress made since last year’s historic summit in Washington, D.C.
“I am confident that our three countries will continue to work together closely to sustain the gains we have made in enhancing and deepening our ties,” Marcos said in a statement.
The three leaders reiterated their commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
Malacanang said Biden highlighted the progress in maritime security, economic security, and technological collaboration.
“We should continue to deepen our cooperation in these areas, I believe,” he said.
The US leader, who will end his term in a week, also praised Marcos for his diplomatic response to China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
“Simply put, our countries have an interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our cooperation across our governments so that it is built to last,” Biden said.
“I’m optimistic that my successor will also see the value of continuing this partnership, and that it is framed the right way,” he said.
US President-elect Donald Trump will assume office on Jan. 20.
Meanwhile, the Palace said Ishiba noted the importance of expanding the scope of trilateral cooperation.
“Going forward, it is important to deepen trilateral cooperation in a variety of fields,” Ishiba said.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said the meeting lasted around 40 minutes.
“Very good meeting on Zoom… they agreed to institutionalize the tripartite partnership,” Romualdez told NewsWatch Plus.
