U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 7, 2025. REUTERS

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) expressed optimism after the success of the first meeting between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, saying it bodes well for the realization of a “shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

In a statement, DFA said the Philippines is looking forward to a continued partnership with the two countries.

“The Philippines welcomes the successful first meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba which bodes well for the realization of our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the statement said.

“The Philippines looks forward to continue working with the United States and Japan, through our trilateral partnership, in implementing the Trilateral Joint Vision Statement, including expanding our cooperation in enhancing economic resilience and security, promoting inclusive growth and development, addressing climate change, and maritime cooperation,” it added.

The three countries entered a trilateral partnership in 2024, looking into more combined naval training and exercises together.

A joint vision statement between the three countries pledged to strengthen their cooperation in efforts to promote domain awareness, along with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

In January 2025, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned in a phone call with Ishiba and former US President Joe Biden that there had been “substantial progress” since the partnership began.

“I am confident that our three countries will continue to work together closely to sustain the gains that we have made in enhancing and deepening our ties,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, the DFA said that they are still looking into the possibility of a meeting to take place between Trump and Marcos following the former’s inauguration in January.

Marcos earlier reaffirmed the “strong and lasting PH-US alliance” and said that he looked forward to working with Trump as he begins his second presidency.