President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba at Malacañan Palace on April 29 to strengthen bilateral cooperation and discuss regional and global issues.
Malacañang confirmed Wednesday that Ishiba will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from April 29 to 30. The meeting aims to enhance economic, political, defense, and people-to-people relations under the “Strengthened Strategic Partnership” between the two countries.
“The meeting of President Marcos and Prime Minister Ishiba will aim to deepen and improve economic and development cooperation, political and defense engagements, and people-to-people exchanges,” the Palace said in a statement.
“Both leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and global developments, and explore new pathways towards peace and stability,” it added.
President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will welcome Ishiba and his wife, Yoshiko, at the Palace. The two leaders last met in October 2024 during the ASEAN Summits in Vientiane, Laos.
According to previous reports from Japanese media, Ishiba plans to discuss forming a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with the Philippines and launching negotiations on an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement for mutual supply of defense materials such as ammunition and fuel.
Ishiba is also scheduled to inspect Japanese-funded coastal surveillance systems in the country and meet with stateless individuals born to Japanese nationals who were left in the Philippines after World War II, offering support for their application for Japanese citizenship.