Japan PM Ishiba arrives at Malacañang to meet Marcos

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba arrived at Malacañang Palace on Tuesday to meet with President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr.

The First Couple welcomed the Japanese leader and wife, Yoshiko Ishiba, indoors due to the rain. 

Philippine officials present were Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Jaybee Ruiz, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan, Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

The Prime Minister arrived in Manila at 12:48 p.m. Before heading to the Palace, he laid a wreath at the Rizal Monument in Rizal Park.

Earlier, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya said the two leaders' bilateral meeting would involve discussions related to national security cooperation and maritime law enforcement. 

They are expected to tackle the landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement, which aims to heighten defense cooperation between Manila and Tokyo in the middle of the escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

The agreement, signed by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in July 2024, will allow more Japanese forces to join annual military exercises involving the Philippines and the United States, including the "Balikatan" exercises.

Further, Kazuya said trade issues would also be discussed by Marcos and Ishiba as the two nations share the values in strengthening the global economy. — BM, GMA Integrated News