Japanese PM Ishiba visits Philippines, April 29-30

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit the Philippines from April 29 to 30 at Malacañang Palace, where he will meet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

The two-day trip marks Ishiba's first official visit to Manila since taking office in September 2024, aiming to deepen economic cooperation, political and defense ties, and people-to-people exchanges under their 'Strengthened Strategic Partnership'.

Security ties between the two US allies have strengthened over the past two years as Japan and the Philippines share common concerns over China's increasingly assertive actions in the region.

During his visit, Ishiba will discuss security and maritime law enforcement cooperation, including global trade issues, and inspect coastal surveillance radar systems provided under Japan's Official Security Assistance framework.

The meeting is expected to reaffirm Manila and Tokyo's commitment to a partnership anchored on peace and prosperity, and to finalize coordination for the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA).