Philippine President Marcos to make Japan state visit

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will make the first state visit to Japan by a Philippine president in over a decade in May, the presidential palace said on April 24, at a time of deepening security cooperation between the two countries.



Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will receive Mr Marcos and his wife Louise during the May 26 to 29 trip, with the Filipino leader also set to meet Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the palace statement said.



Mr Marcos and Ms Takaichi "are expected to discuss the future trajectory of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership", as well as international developments, "especially with regard to energy and food security, and maritime security", the statement said.



The World War II foes have been strengthening military ties in recent years, with Tokyo supplying coast guard ships and radar systems and signing a reciprocal access deal that allowed Japanese troops to take part for the first time in annual US-Philippines military exercises.