MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are scheduled to hold discussions regarding issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the latter’s visit to the country on November 3 and 4.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said both leaders will engage in talks covering various aspects of their bilateral cooperation, encompassing political and security matters, economic ties, and people-to-people relations.

Specifically, the agenda includes deliberations on topics such as the West Philippine Sea situation, trade and investment prospects, as well as Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) initiatives.

Moreover, they will exchange perspectives on key regional, international, and United Nations issues with global repercussions.

President Marcos will extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Kishida at Malacañang Palace on Friday (03 November 2023), marking the beginning of his visit.

Concurrently, the Philippine Congress has scheduled a special joint session for Saturday in which the Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver a speech.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri expressed optimism about Kishida’s visit, emphasizing its role in strengthening the alliance between the two nations in addressing shared challenges.

He lauded Japan as a robust trading partner, a steadfast security ally, a reliable aid provider during crises, and a significant investor in the Philippines’ development.

Zubiri also added that Prime Minister Kishida is scheduled to address the joint session of the Philippine Congress on Saturday, November 4, a privilege that has been extended to only a select few foreign heads of state in the past.

This exclusive list includes President Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam of India in 2006, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in April 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao in April 2005, US President George W. Bush in 2003, and US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1960.

Senate President Zubiri also noted that Japan holds the distinction of being the largest source of the Philippines’ Official Development Assistance (ODA), underscoring the significance of their bilateral relationship.

(Liezelle Soriano/ai/mnm)