PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to leave the country this week, this time to attend the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)-Japan Relations. It will be his second visit to Tokyo this year.
“The President is leaving on the 15th for Tokyo to attend the 50th anniversary of Asean-Japan Relations,” Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said in a pre-departure briefing in Malacañang on Monday.
Japan holds a significant position as one of the Philippines’ most dynamic partners. This visit provides the Chief Executive with an opportunity to address various important issues, including security matters such as defense, transnational crime, and mutual legal assistance. Additionally, the visit will focus on fostering mutual economic activities, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people engagements.
“It’s a whole gamut of relations, and they were able to sustain and develop it through the years such that this year, they were declared a comprehensive strategic partner of Asean,” Espiritu said.
One of the key objectives of the summit is to officially announce Japan as a strategic partner of Asean. During his visit, President Marcos is expected to have a face-to-face meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
Confirming the President’s schedule, Espiritu stated that there will be a dinner reception at the State Guest House on December 16, where President Marcos and Prime Minister Kishida will have the opportunity to engage in discussions.
The summit proper will commence on December 17, focusing on various issues, including the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.
This visit holds great importance for the Philippines as it strengthens the bilateral relationship between the two countries. Japan’s status as a comprehensive strategic partner of Asean signifies the depth and breadth of their cooperation over the years.
President Marcos’ attendance at the 50th anniversary of Asean-Japan Relations demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to further enhancing diplomatic ties and addressing shared challenges in the region.
With Japan’s significant role in the Asia-Pacific region and its history of fruitful collaboration with Asean, this summit presents a valuable platform for discussing and resolving pressing issues.
The territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, which has been a longstanding concern, will likely be a key topic of discussion during the summit. This dispute involves multiple countries and has implications for regional stability and security.
By participating in this important event, President Marcos showcases the Philippines’ active engagement in regional affairs and its commitment to upholding its national interests.
Overall, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Tokyo for the 50th anniversary of Asean-Japan Relations is a significant diplomatic endeavor that highlights the Philippines’ strong ties with Japan and its active role in regional cooperation. It presents an opportunity to address crucial security, economic, and cultural matters, while also fostering a comprehensive strategic partnership between Japan and Asean.
Source: The Manila Times
