Marcos wants closer collaboration with Japan

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday vowed to push for stronger collaboration with Japan in key areas such as agriculture and defense during his five-day official visit to the East Asian country, which he described as “a most reliable partner” in times of crises and prosperity.

In a pre-departure speech delivered at the Villamor Air Base, Marcos said his visit to Japan is “essential” as it is part of a larger foreign policy agenda to forge closer political, defense and economic ties with major countries in the region amid a challenging global environment.

“During my trip, I hope to harness the positive trajectory of our relationship with Japan in all of our enriching engagements,” Marcos said.

“I will be actively cultivating collaboration in priority areas that we have identified. The areas of agriculture, renewable energy, digital transformation, infrastructure, defense and security, and other areas where future synergies and complementary interests converge with those of Japan,” he added.

Marcos said his administration is keen on working closely with Japan in forging stability and dynamism into the bilateral ties between Manila and Tokyo and bringing their strategic partnership to “greater heights.”

He noted that Japan has been a major bilateral trade and official development partner and has been consistent in its commitment to uphold the same values aligned with the Philippines’ economic and development priorities.

Japan, Marcos said, is also the first country that signed a bilateral free trade agreement with the Philippines.

Marcos is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during his visit to Tokyo, his third foreign trip this year.

The leaders are expected to witness the signing of bilateral agreements in the areas of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, infrastructure, agriculture and digital cooperation.

Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will have an imperial audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

The President will also engage with Japanese business leaders to promote the Philippines as an investment destination.

Marcos is scheduled to meet with the Filipino community in Japan before returning to the Philippines.

In his pre-departure speech, he mistakenly called his First Lady by his mother’s name.

As Marcos was acknowledging the key people in the Villamor Airbase, he called his wife “First Lady Imelda.”

He covered his mouth and smiled after realizing his mistake, which briefly interrupted his address.

“I am sorry Liza pero automatic na sa akin yun eh (it is already automatic to me). First Lady is Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, our former first lady. Our present first lady, Liza Araneta-Marcos,” he said.

The audience cheered after Marcos correctly acknowledged his wife.

The First Lady, Vice President Sara Duterte and former president now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were seen laughing at the mix-up.

Japan arrival

Marcos and his delegation arrived in Japan yesterday, the start of his five-day official visit that would focus on boosting ties between the two countries.

Philippine Airlines flight 001 carrying Marcos and his delegation touched down at the Haneda International Airport at 5:35 p.m. (Japan time).

The Philippine delegation included Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos’ first cousin.

In a media interview en route to Tokyo, Marcos said his visit to Japan is “very different” from the countries he previously visited, where “we just opened up the conversation.”

“Our interactions with Japan are very well-developed… G2G (government to government), even in commercial,” he said.

The President said the country intends to close some deals with Japan that were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The President will also hold meetings with Japan’s business leaders to promote trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

He will also deliver a keynote address during the “Philippine Business Opportunity” seminar, which is expected to be attended by hundreds of top Japanese businessmen.

The Philippine embassy in Tokyo earlier said Marcos’ working trip to Japan is seen to generate P150 billion in investment pledges that could result in the employment of some 8,000 Filipinos.

The President will also meet with the Filipino community in Japan before flying back to Manila on Sunday.