Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez welcomed the historic trilateral summit among US President Joe Biden, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying it augurs well for immense economic benefits for the Philippines and the Filipino people.
He noted that the first-ever meeting of the three leaders in Washington D.C. on April 11 (US time) signifies a pivotal step towards 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,” Romualdez said in a press release April 10. “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.”
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,” said the leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives.
He noted that with the Philippines at the crossroads of geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, the participation of President Marcos in the trilateral dialogue is crucial not only in advancing our country’s national interest but of our shared interest with the international community of nations.
“PBBM’s 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,” the Speaker pointed out.
Moreover, he said the focus on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region aligns with the Philippines’ aspirations for a secure and harmonious environment.
“By strengthening our partnerships with like-minded nations, we can address security challenges effectively and promote peace and stability across the region,” Romualdez said, adding the House of Representatives stands solidly behind Marcos in this endeavor and is ready to craft any legislation that may be necessary to advance and realize the objectives of the trilateral meeting.
He noted that the three leaders are also expected to explore cooperation, not only towards 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.
He added that the trilateral meeting could likewise prove beneficial to our country through cooperation agreements that may be forged, which would bolster the position of the Philippines as a crucial hub in the international supply chain and spur further growth and development in the country. ||
