MANILA, March 1 -- The Philippine government sees "numerous opportunities" in a possible trilateral partnership with Japan and India, one that is focused on both maritime security and economic development.

In a Stratbase ADRI forum in Makati on Friday, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro expressed optimism this possible arrangement would thrive as the countries share a similar geographic make-up and location in the Indo-Pacific.

"In concrete terms, the confluence of the two seas can be construed as a natural connection that paves the way for the intersection of interests and goal congruence among the varied actors in the Indo-Pacific," she said referring to the Indian and the Pacific Oceans.

"The prospect for triangular c...