Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday welcomed the forthcoming historic trilateral summit among US President Joe Biden, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and President Ferdinand Marcos, saying this augurs for immense economic benefits.
He said the first-ever meeting of the three leaders in Washington D.C. on April 11 (US time) signifies a pivotal step toward deepening economic ties among the three nations, enhancing peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and bolstering cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
“Economic cooperation lies at the heart of this trilateral meeting, with discussions aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and development opportunities among our nations. Our country’s deeper economic integration with the United States and Japan will undoubtedly benefit our people in terms of jobs and livelihood opportunities and contribute to regional prosperity,” Romualdez said.
He said the historic trilateral meeting also underscores the crucial role of the Philippines as a partner of superpowers US and Japan in their shared commitment to fostering regional stability and prosperity.
“As nations with strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific, our collaboration is essential in addressing common challenges and advancing mutual interests,” the Speaker said.
“President Marcos’ engagement with President Biden and Prime Minister Kishida underscores our nation’s commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. It is also a tacit recognition of his leadership and his foreign policy of being a friend to all and enemy to none,” he said.
Romualdez said the three leaders are also expected to explore cooperation not only toward promoting inclusive economic growth but also in the areas of developing critical and emerging technologies, climate change cooperation, and clean energy supply chains.
“The Philippines, as a vulnerable nation to the impacts of climate change, welcomes increased cooperation with the United States and Japan to implement sustainable solutions and mitigate the effects of climate change on our communities,” Romualdez said.