MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted on Thursday the importance of the historic trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, the US and Japan amid challenges to international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Facing the complex challenges of our time requires concerted efforts on everyone’s part, a dedication to a common purpose, and an unwavering commitment to the rules-based international order,” President Marcos said in his opening statement at the trilateral meeting with US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The trilateral meeting of the Philippines, the US and Japan took place at the White Place Thursday afternoon (local time) in Washington, DC, anchored on a common vision and pursuit of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Prior to the trilateral meeting, President Marcos had a bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden at the White House.

President Marcos said the trilateral cooperation is borne as a natural progression of the deepening relations and robust cooperation between the three countries linked by a profound respect for democracy, good governance, and the rule of law.

“Today’s historic summit is a culmination of several preparatory engagements between our Foreign Ministries, our National Security Advisers, and our Vice Ministers, as well as the conduct of trilateral maritime exercises and joint development cooperation,” President Marcos said.

“But this meeting can be just a beginning… this is a meeting that looks ahead,” he added.

As the three countries deepen their ties and enhance their coordination, President Marcos said they seek to identify ways of growing their economies and making them more resilient, climate-proofing cities, and societies, sustaining progress and forging a peaceful world for the next generation. (PND)