The Philippines, the United States, and Japan committed to strengthening and expanding their trilateral relations, as announced by Manila on Monday after a leaders’ meeting.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. held a virtual discussion with U.S. President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Monday morning from Manila.

“I am optimistic that our three nations will persist in collaborating closely to maintain the progress we have achieved in enhancing and deepening our connections,” Marcos stated during the meeting.