QUEZON CITY (PIA) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. describes this trip to Japan as essential. This will reinforce the established relationship between the two countries that has been solidified since the 1977 Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership.
Some of the objectives during this foreign visit are the continuation of postponed projects, the enrichment of engagements, and the development of new collaborations. There will be a very specific schedule to be followed giving priority to projects that have ongoing discussions between the two countries.
The President says together with Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio they expect to witness the following signing and exchange of several key agreements covering cooperation in infrastructure development, defense, agriculture, and information and communications technology.
These agreements spark initial discussions during meetings in New York and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summits.
Meanwhile, stronger defense and security cooperation is another key agenda during the trip which includes the Reciprocal Access Agreement. This is a term for the proposed equivalent of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and Japan.
Japan has already been extending its assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard for years, hence, the President sees further developments and improvements in this particular effort. However, specific talks about the VFA counterpart have yet to be discussed.
In addition, cooperation on security across the West Philippine Sea will be welcomed by the President.
The two nations’ economic and development priorities have been aligned since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) through the PH-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. Hence, talks on agriculture are also expected to be raised during the visit. The President is hopeful to gain investments in agriculture and looks forward to exporting local agricultural products to Japan market.
Aside from government-to-government relations, PBBM is also set to further relations with private entities in the Asian nation. He is set to meet foreign business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.
On the last day of his official visit to Japan, he is looking forward to meeting the Filipino community and checking on their situation in a foreign land.
Consistent with his efforts to continue managing the Philippine economy and addressing the effects of the global health crisis, the President aims to come home with a variety of agreements and a number of investments that will aid the country as it rallies toward the challenges of the new global economy. (MVV, PIA-CPSD)
