PBBM to visit Japan May 26-29, tackle strategic ties with PM Takaichi

MANILA, April 25 ------ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will visit Japan from May 26 to 29 to advance Manila's strategic partnership with Tokyo, Malacañang announced.

In a statement, the Palace said Marcos will embark on a state visit to Japan upon the invitation of the Japanese government. During the trip, Marcos is scheduled to hold a summit meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae to discuss the future direction of the Philippines and Japan’s Strengthened Strategic Partnership.

Malacañang said the two leaders are also expected to exchange views on key regional and global issues, particularly energy and food security, as well as maritime security. Marcos will be accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. The First Couple will be received by Their Majesties, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony, state call, and state banquet.

The President is also set to meet with Japanese business leaders and members of the Filipino community in Japan, as part of his official engagements. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. The two countries formally established diplomatic ties on July 23, 1956, and elevated their relations to a “Strengthened Strategic Partnership” in June 2015 through a joint declaration between the late president Benigno Aquino III and then prime minister Shinzo Abe. It was the latest state visit to Japan by a Philippine president. Meanwhile, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko last paid a state visit to the Philippines in January 2016.

Source: pna.gov.ph