Pasay city: Japan and the Philippines have reiterated their commitment to enhancing their trilateral partnership with the United States as they navigate the evolving regional strategic environment. Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu emphasized this intent following a bilateral meeting with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in Pasay City on Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Motegi stated, "The Secretary and I confirmed the importance of the Japan-Philippines-US trilateral cooperation in the face of an increasingly severe strategic environment." He further expressed Japan's intention to fortify its collaboration with the United States, a shared ally, to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Lazaro echoed the sentiment, affirming the Philippines' dedication to maintaining the trilateral cooperation framework with the US. She announced Manila's readiness to host the upcoming Trilateral Maritime Dialogue, reflecting the countries' ongoing commitment to this partnership.

The trilateral cooperation, initiated in April 2024, focuses on stimulating high-impact infrastructure investments within the Luzon Economic Corridor. This initiative aims to bolster transportation, energy, and logistics efficiency in the Philippines' most densely populated region.

Previously, the US Department of State noted that this partnership is intended to complement the growing security ties among the three nations. In October of the previous year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae acknowledged the trilateral arrangement as pivotal for regional peace, stability, and development.

During the meeting, Motegi and Lazaro also underscored the importance of adhering to the rule of law, including ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly in the South China Sea. Motegi remarked on their shared resolution to resist any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo through force or coercion in the East and South China Seas.

On a bilateral level, the ministers agreed to continue working together to improve connectivity within the Philippines, including railway development. Motegi expressed Japan's readiness to assist in areas such as flood control, disaster management, economic security, and enhancing the resilience of supply chains, especially for critical minerals.