By Jamaica Joaquin
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. departed to Japan Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 8, for his first official visit in the country.
Marcos is expected to sign seven key bilateral documents or agreements on infrastructure development, defense, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
In his departure speech, Marcos said he will be cultivating collaboration in areas “where future synergies and complementary interests converge with those of Japan.”
“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.
The working visit, scheduled on Feb. 8 to 12, will include a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and an audience with Emperor Naruhito.
While in Japan, Marcos said his team will work on further strengthening “the bonds of friendship with a close neighbor, like-minded and future-oriented like us in many ways, and a most reliable partner in times of both crises and prosperity. ”
Japan has been a major bilateral trade and official development partner, consistent in its commitment to uphold the same values aligned with the Philippines’ economic and development priorities.
Japan is also the first country which signed a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with the Philippines through the PH-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (PJEPA).
The President is also expected to meet with Japan’s business leaders to promote trade and development opportunities in the Philippines. – gb
