Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
April 10, 2024
“A historic meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is aimed at advancing trilateral cooperation between our three (3) countries, which have long enjoyed warm and friendly relations, and robust cooperation,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remarked in his departure statement at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
The President made this statement as he embarked on an Official Visit to Washington, D.C., United States of America (U.S.A.) to participate in the first Trilateral United States-Japan-Philippines Leaders’ Summit.
He emphasized the significance of the Summit in advancing trilateral cooperation, citing the foundation laid by previous high-level engagements. Notably, he recalled his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris in Jakarta last year.
The Chief Executive then outlined key areas for cooperation, including critical infrastructure, semiconductors, digitalization, cybersecurity, critical minerals, renewable energy, as well as defense and maritime collaboration. These discussions are poised to explore avenues for mutual growth and development, aligning with the dynamic needs of the global economy.
Moreover, regional security concerns will feature prominently in the Summit’s agenda, with President Marcos Jr. expressing his commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific Region.
“It is also my intention to exchange views with my U.S. and Japanese counterparts on various regional security issues of mutual concern while continuing to reiterate the importance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
In addition to the trilateral discussions, the Chief Executive is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Joseph Biden, wherein both leaders will delve deeper into strengthening the alliance between the two countries.
“We will continue our discussions on strengthening further our alliance and meet with U.S. business leaders to invite them to invest in the Philippines,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.
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