By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday departed from Manila for a four-day state visit to Japan, where the Philippines is expected to secure new agreements aimed at strengthening economic and defense cooperation between the two nations.
The presidential plane carrying Marcos took off from Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 1:36 p.m.
In his departure statement, Marcos said the state visit comes at a critical time as the Philippines and Japan continue to deepen their strategic partnership amid “increasingly challenging and evolving” regional and global challenges.
Marcos said the trip marks his first state visit to Japan since his official and working visits to Tokyo and Osaka in 2023 and 2025.
“It forms part of a broader foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation, and more enduring economic partnerships with major countries in the region in order to advance the interests of the Filipino people while promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said.
“This visit seeks to further strengthen the bonds of friendship with a close neighbor, like-minded and future-oriented just like us in many ways, and a most reliable partner in times of both prosperity and times of uncertainty, such as today’s ongoing oil crisis.”
The state visit coincides with this year’s commemoration of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Manila and Tokyo, which were formally established on July 23, 1956.
Marcos is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for comprehensive discussions on strengthening economic and security coordination and cooperation, as well as advancing shared commitments to regional and global peace and prosperity.
The two leaders are also expected to witness the signing and exchange of key agreements on trade and investment, along with the announcement of new initiatives in security and maritime cooperation.
“I believe we can further expand our security, economic, and development cooperation in order to enhance our national defense posture and to uplift the standard of living of Filipinos in different parts of the country,” Marcos said.
Marcos said the Philippines will advance discussions on cooperation in agriculture, energy, decarbonization, maritime security, trade and investment, infrastructure, defense, space technology, and Mindanao development.
He said the country’s growing partnership with Japan continues to support key infrastructure projects under the Build Better More Program, including major rail and highway developments and ongoing modernization efforts in transportation systems.
“Indeed, the ties that bind the Philippines and Japan have become ever stronger over the decades, guided by the transformative spirit within the Filipino and Japanese peoples, and driven by the common desire for development persistently pursued by our forebears,” Marcos said.
“During this trip, I hope to harness the positive trajectory of our relations with Japan in all of our enriching engagements. This administration is keen on working closely with Japan in bringing our Strengthened Strategic Partnership to greater heights.”
Japan, the Philippines’ first and oldest strategic partner, remains one of the country’s strongest economic and development partners and the first country to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with Manila through the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
Japan is also a key ally in defense and security cooperation, with agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement strengthening military collaboration in recent years.
Marcos said he will advance Philippine priorities and explore areas of convergence and mutual interest with Japan on the West Philippine Sea, the ongoing Middle East conflict, ASEAN cooperation, relations with the United States, and the Philippines’ bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council.
During the visit, Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos are also expected to confer and receive state honors as part of strengthening bilateral ties.
Marcos, accompanied by his economic team and private sector representatives, will also hold talks with Japanese business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.
He is also expected to meet with members of the Filipino community in Japan, recognizing their contributions through their work and service abroad. (PNA)
