TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. are set to hold a trilateral leaders’ summit with US President Joe Biden on April 11 at the White House, the first of its kind among the three nations.
The White House announced on Tuesday (JST) that Biden, Kishida, and Marcos Jr. will discuss cooperation to boost economic growth and further peace and security, among other topics.
“At the summit, the leaders will advance a trilateral partnership built on deep historical ties of friendship, robust and growing economic relations, a proud and resolute commitment to shared democratic values, and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
“The leaders will also reaffirm the ironclad alliances between the United States and the Philippines, and the United States and Japan,” she added.
Jean-Pierre also noted that Biden is scheduled to hold a separate meeting with Marcos Jr. on the same day to discuss the strengthening of US-Philippines relations and the advancement of shared interests in economic security, democracy, and human rights. - Florenda Corpuz