Marcos back in PH after 'productive' Japan state visit

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has returned to Manila following a four-day state visit to Japan, which he described as “very constructive and highly productive.”

The plane carrying the President, First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, and the entire delegation landed at 6:19 p.m.

Prior to leaving Japan, Marcos held a Kapihan session with the media where he gave a rundown of everything that happened during his visit.

“It is particularly meaningful for us to have come at this time as we are marking the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations with Japan this year. It was an opportune moment not only to reflect on seven decades of friendship, but more importantly, to chart the future of our partnership,” the President said.

Marcos said he was honored to meet Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

“Our meeting reaffirmed the enduring friendship and goodwill between the Filipino and Japanese people,” he said.

He also noted he had “very fruitful” meetings with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.

“Bound by shared values and common aspirations, we agreed to elevate our relationship from a strengthened strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Marcos said.

“This reflects how our cooperation has grown not only stronger but deeper and broader, not only across the traditional areas of security, maritime and defense cooperation, trade and investment, but also across new frontiers critical to our future, such as energy security, supply chain resilience, decarbonization, artificial intelligence, and space cooperation,” he added.

The President said he and Takaichi also exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues, including developments in the South China Sea and the Middle East.

He said they also reaffirmed their shared commitment to ASEAN unity and centrality, given that the Philippines chairs the international organization this year.

Marcos said that Japan likewise expressed its support for the Philippines’ candidature to the United Nations Security Council.

The President also met with the Filipino community living and working in Japan.

Other deals

According to Marcos, the Philippine and Japanese governments signed a new agreement on the avoidance of double taxation, which will enhance the business environment and encourage greater investments.

Agreements in relation to agriculture and fisheries, as well as improving equitable access to quality health services and human resource development, were also inked.

Marcos also said there will be negotiations for a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), and for maritime boundary delimitation.

“These initiatives will support our shared goals of security, economic growth, and resilience,” he said.

Following the meetings with various business leaders, the President said the Philippines was able to secure US$3.4 billion in combined investment pledges, pipeline opportunities, financial support facilities, and tourism, enabling flagship investment prospects.

Aside from this, he said the executives of Furukawa Electric Corporation, Sumitomo Electric Industries, MinebeaMitsumi Inc., and Tsuneishi Group Corporation also proposed approximately P56.3 billion in additional investment, particularly in the semiconductor, advanced electronics, precision manufacturing, and shipbuilding industries.

“These investments are expected to create around 10,300 additional direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos,” Marcos said.

“These engagements reaffirmed strong confidence in the Philippine economy and opened new opportunities for investments that will benefit our people,” he added. —AOL, GMA News