Philippines, US, Japan reinforce commitment to a free, open Indo-Pacific

UNITED NATIONS, New York - The Philippines, United States and Japan are committed to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific and ensure peaceful resolution of disputes, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday.

"Our alliance with Japan and the Philippines is a cornerstone of our Indo-Pacific strategy. Together, we are committed to promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, ensuring the peaceful resolution of disputes, and upholding international law," Blinken said at the Second Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The meeting, hosted by the US, saw the participation of the Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa.

Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (2nd from left) meets with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (5th from left) and Japan Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (2nd from right) on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 (Sept. 23, PH time). The three nations are committed to work for a free and open Indo-Pacific, Blinken says. Photo courtesy: DFA Sec. Enrique Manalo

The meeting underscored the shared dedication of the three nations to fostering regional stability, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. It served as an opportunity for high-level discussions on regional cooperation and the pressing challenges facing the region.

Kamikawa emphasized the need for cooperation in the face of complex regional dynamics.

"The Indo-Pacific region is pivotal to global peace and stability. Our trilateral partnership allows us to address emerging challenges effectively and strengthen our ties," he said.

Manalo echoed these sentiments, highlighting the shared objectives of the three nations.

"The Philippines values its strong relationships with both the United States and Japan. Our cooperation extends to a wide range of areas, including security, trade, and development, all aimed at fostering regional prosperity," Manalo said.

The three officials reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability in the South and East China Seas. They emphasized their shared values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.

While the details of the discussions remained confidential, it is expected that topics of mutual interest, such as regional security, economic development, and infrastructure projects, were addressed during the meeting.

The trilateral meeting follows a series of high-level interactions, including a September meeting between US Vice President Kamala Harris, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a July trilateral meeting in Jakarta, and a June meeting in Tokyo. —KG, GMA Integrated News