PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embarked on a trip to Tokyo to participate in the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Relations. This summit serves as an opportunity for the President to reaffirm the Philippines’ stance on current international issues and advance Philippine interests.
Accompanying the President on this trip are First Lady Marie Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos and several Cabinet members, highlighting the significance of the event.
In his predeparture statement, President Marcos expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming the conferment of Comprehensive Partner Status to Japan. Over the past 50 years, Japan has been a trusted and reliable partner for ASEAN in peace, economic development, and community-building.
The Commemorative Summit will feature three sessions, each with a specific focus within the ASEAN-Japan framework. The first session will assess Japan’s contribution to ASEAN’s community-building efforts and its consistent support for ASEAN Centrality and the rules-based international order.
The second session will highlight the “Heart to Heart” Partnership across Generations, recognizing Japan’s commitment to fostering friendship and camaraderie between the peoples of ASEAN and Japan. This includes initiatives such as the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths (JENESYS) Program, in which the Philippines has been one of the largest beneficiaries. President Marcos aims to emphasize the Philippines’ long history of cultural exchange with Japan through this program.
The last summit program will focus on the Co-Creation of Economy and Society of the Future. President Marcos plans to bring the Philippine economic team led by Secretary Fred Pascual to participate in discussions related to this topic.
The President acknowledges the evolution and progress of the ASEAN-Japan relationship over the past five decades. This partnership has encompassed various areas, including peace and security, trade and investment, food security, climate action, energy security, supply chain resilience, infrastructure development, and connectivity.
As the permanent country coordinator for ASEAN-Japan Economic Relations, the Philippines is committed to shepherding ASEAN initiatives and projects with Japan. The goal is not only to co-create a region of economic prosperity but also to build an inclusive society that is prepared for the future.
Following the ASEAN-Japan Summit, President Marcos will attend the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Leaders Meeting. During this meeting, he will update AZEC partner countries on the Philippines’ current initiatives toward a clean energy transition. The President will extend an invitation to AZEC partners, including Japan, to invest in the Philippine renewable energy industry, aligning with the intentions of AZEC and the overall goal of the Paris Agreement.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu emphasized the significance of President Marcos’ participation in the summit. ASEAN covers various aspects, including security matters such as defense, transnational crime, mutual legal assistance, mutual economic activities, cultural exchange, and people-to-people activities.
While in Tokyo, the President is expected to follow up on the business deals signed during his previous trip to Japan earlier this year. He will have a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.
The main summit will include a session to discuss issues in the South China Sea, East China Sea, Myanmar, North Korea, and other international developments that have implications for ASEAN.
Although there is no guarantee that the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan will be signed during this visit, President Marcos’ presence and engagement in the summit will undoubtedly strengthen bilateral relations and contribute to meaningful discussions on regional and global matters.
Source: The Manila Times