Prime Minister Abe arrived in the Philippines on January 12, becoming the first foreign leader to visit since President Rodrigo Duterte took office last year. / AFP / Noel Celis/
(Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte will be on a working visit to Japan from Oct. 29 to Oct. 31.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that during the visit that will “further enhance the strong bilateral relations” between the two countries, Duterte will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discuss “matters of mutual interest.”
He is also scheduled to meet other Japanese officials and personalities from different industries.
According to the DFA, “aside from bilateral issues in the economic, industrial, social and security arena, discussions are also expected to include regional developments, including peace and stability in the region, particularly in the Korean Peninsula.”
“Both sides are also expected to engage in dialogue relative to the Philippine chairmanship of (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and preparations for the Prime Minister’s own return visit to the Philippines for the 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila this November,” the statement said.
Last year, President Duterte visited Japan from Oct. 25 to 27.
He was scheduled to meet Emperor Akihito but this was cancelled after Prince Mikasa, the royal’s uncle, died.
Duterte’s impending second visit to Japan comes after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe won a landslide victory in snap elections.
Abe was the first foreign leader to visit the Philippines since Duterte became President.