Japan, PH, in final stages of security aid talks — Japan gov't spox

TOKYO — Japan’s top government spokesperson said on Wednesday that Japan is in the final stages of negotiations with the Philippines on what equipment to offer to Manila and when to sign an agreement under Tokyo's official security assistance program.

The program is aimed at helping boost deterrence capabilities of Tokyo’s partner countries.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno made the comment to reporters ahead of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's visit to the Philippines on Friday.

The Philippines on Tuesday said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Kishida will have a bilateral meeting later this week to strengthen ties between the Philippines and Japan.

In a statement issued by the Philippines’ Presidential Communications Office, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Kishida would have his official visit to the Philippines on November 3 to 4, noting that Marcos will welcome him during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Friday.

“The two leaders will hold a bilateral meeting to discuss areas of mutual concern such as political, security, economic and development cooperation, as well as people-to-people ties,” the DFA said.

Marcos and Kishida are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues as well as to reaffirm the excellent relations between the two countries. — Reuters with GMA Integrated News