President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. departed for Japan on Wednesday afternoon in a bid to strengthen the two countries' collaboration in a wide range of areas, including agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation, defense, and infrastructure.
"My bilateral visit to Japan is essential and is part of a larger foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense, and security cooperation, as well as lasting economic partnerships with major countries in the region amid a challenging global environment," Marcos said in his departure speech.
The President said he will be cultivating collaboration in areas “where future synergies and complementary interests converge with those of Japan.”
The working visit, scheduled on February 8 to 12, will include a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and an audience with Emperor Naruhito.
According to the Palace, Marcos will be meeting Kishida to “take stock of our bilateral relations and regional cooperation in a broad range of engagements,” from security and economic relations to Manila and Tokyo’s continued commitment to mutual peace and prosperity.
The two leaders are also expected to sign key agreements in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, infrastructure, agriculture, and digital cooperation.
"I look forward to bringing home more of these agreements that will be of benefit to the transformation of our economy and to be able to mitigate some of the challenges that we are facing in the new global economy," Marcos said.
Eyes to seal projects
In an interview with reporters on board PR001, the President was asked about his expectations for his Japan visit.
As a response, Marcos said Japan and the Philippines have very well-developed interactions with regard to government-to-government (G2G), or even commercial ventures.
“So what we’re really having to do now is we are going to have to… we’re finalizing some of the projects that, for example, were postponed because of the pandemic lockdowns and also now some new projects that are follow on from kung ano ‘yung dati," the President said.
"So that’s why kung titignan niyo ‘yung schedule, very specific; may purpose ang bawat meeting, hindi ‘yung general introduction of the Philippines to the EU (European Union) or to another country," he added.
The Chief Executive will also be holding meetings with Japan’s business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.
Prior to flying back to Manila, the President is scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Japan.
The president's contingent for the trip includes First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, members of his economic team, and private sector representatives.
