Biden confident Trump will value US partnership with PH, Japan

Outgoing United States President Joe Biden on Monday expressed confidence that President-elect Donald Trump would give importance to US relations with the Philippines and Japan.

Biden made the remark during the trilateral phone call with President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba this morning.

“Simply put, our countries have an interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our cooperation across our governments so that it is built to last. I’m optimistic that my successor will also see the value of continuing this partnership, and that it is framed the right way,” Biden said in a press release issued by the Presidential Communications Office.

To recall, Marcos earlier said he looks forward to working with the returning US president on a wide range of issues that "will yield mutual benefits to two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, common vision, and a long history of working together."

Trump, 78, recaptured the White House by securing more than the 270 Electoral College votes needed to win the presidency.

In November of last year, Trump had won 279 electoral votes as as against Vice President Kamala Harris' 223 with several states yet to be counted.

Under the Biden administration, the US ensured that it will continue to deepen its relations with the Philippines, including addressing the ongoing issues in the South China Sea.

Washington has since vowed its ironclad support for Manila amid China's aggressive actions in the resource-rich region. —KG, GMA Integrated News