MANILA -- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the trilateral meeting of the Philippines, United States and Japan a “new horizon of cooperation” as the three countries share the same priorities, including upholding international law.

In his meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Blinken highlighted the importance of the upcoming trilateral meeting of President Marcos with US President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington next month.

“That new horizon of cooperation is also incredibly promising. It’s building on the reach foundation between our countries where we have the same priorities, whether it’s an economic development, whether it’s dealing with climate change, with food security, of course, upholding international law,” he added.

He emphasized that the commonalities of the three countries “are front and center” of cooperation.

Blinken made a courtesy visit to President Marcos on the sidelines of his visit to the Philippines from March 18 to 19 as he reaffirmed the commitment of the US to the bilateral relationship with the Philippines. He added that the relationship between the Philippines and the US is the “absolute priority” of President Biden. (PND)