President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will embark on his first state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29, with security, maritime cooperation, trade, energy resilience, and new agreements expected to take center stage.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will visit Japan upon the invitation of the Japanese government, as the two countries mark the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations.
DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel said the visit will provide an opportunity for Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in key areas, including defense, maritime security, economic partnerships, energy resilience, decarbonization, and emerging industries.
The two leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments affecting both countries, including issues in ASEAN, challenges in the Indo-Pacific, and developments in the Middle East.
For the Philippines, Ratonel said deeper maritime and security collaboration with Japan would include operational cooperation, information-sharing, coordination among defense agencies, and the transfer of defense equipment.
The visit is also expected to lead to the announcement of new agreements covering defense, trade and investment, and human resources, although the DFA said details would be released after the state visit.
Economic cooperation will also be part of the agenda, with Marcos scheduled to meet Japanese business groups during the trip. Ratonel said possible new trade and investment commitments may be discussed, but deferred to the Department of Trade and Industry on the specific business sectors involved.
Energy security is likewise expected to be raised, particularly Japan’s POWERR Asia initiative, a US$10-billion fund designed to help Asian countries secure oil supplies, maintain supply chains, increase crude supply in the region, and diversify energy resources.
Ratonel said the Philippines is seeking long-term energy supply solutions and wants to work with Japan in expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity. However, she said there is no specific allocation yet for the Philippines under the fund.
Aside from his official talks with Japan’s prime minister, Marcos and the First Lady will be received by the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace for a welcome ceremony and state call. Their Majesties will also host a state banquet in honor of the First Couple.
The DFA said Marcos is also scheduled to meet members of the Filipino community in Japan during the visit.