Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan are ready to engage with the incoming Trump administration to keep the “momentum” of the trilateral cooperation.
In a press briefing after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said that the trilateral partnership is key in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
“We maintain good communication with the next US administration to maintain and strengthen the momentum of trilateral cooperation. Japan will work with the Philippines in bolstering our bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” said Iwaya.
The top Japanese diplomat will go to the US next week to attend Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
“The trilateral cooperation is a highly important framework in realizing free and open indo pacific based on rule of law to build partnerships in maritime security, response to economic coercion and resilient critical infrastructure and cyberspace are progressing,” he said.
“The three leaders agree to maintain and strengthen the momentum of trilateral cooperation. We will reaffirm that we will continue our communication with the incoming US administration,” he added.
The Japanese official added that partnership with Southeast Asian countries is vital for the US as well.
“We will convey to the next administration that constructive commitment of the United States in this region is important also for the United States itself,” said Iwaya.
