MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday flew to Japan for a four-day state visit aimed at boosting economic partnerships and expanding defense and security cooperation between Manila and Tokyo.
The President’s aircraft left Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 1:36 p.m.
In a departure statement, Marcos said the visit reflects the continued strengthening of ties between the Philippines and Japan amid shifting global and regional conditions.
He highlighted that this trip follows his earlier visits to Tokyo and Osaka in 2023 and 2025, and forms part of a broader strategy to deepen diplomatic and economic engagement with key allies.
Marcos said the Philippines aims to further enhance cooperation in trade, security, infrastructure development, energy, agriculture, and emerging technologies.
He also underscored Japan’s role as a long-standing strategic partner and one of the country’s most important sources of development assistance and investment.
During the visit, Marcos is set to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, with both sides expected to sign new agreements covering trade, investment, maritime security, and defense.
The President said the Philippines will continue advancing its priorities in areas such as digital infrastructure, decarbonization, transportation, and Mindanao development, while also expanding security collaboration in the Indo-Pacific.
Japan and the Philippines maintain strong ties through key agreements, including the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and defense cooperation pacts like the Reciprocal Access Agreement.
Marcos is also expected to tackle regional and international concerns, including tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Middle East instability, ASEAN coordination, and the Philippines’ campaign for a seat in the UN Security Council.
Aside from official meetings, he will engage with Japanese business leaders to promote investment opportunities and meet members of the Filipino community in Japan.
The state visit also includes ceremonial engagements where the President and First Lady will receive honors in recognition of the growing bilateral partnership.
ia/xf
