BILATERAL MEETING. Issues on the West Philippine Sea and Japan’s Official Development Assistance to the Philippines will be tackled during President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s bilateral meeting on Nov. 3, 2023. Kishida will embark on an official visit to the Philippines from Nov. 3 to 4. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio are set to discuss issues on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) during Kishida’s official visit to the Philippines this week.

In a statement on Thursday, Malacañang said the two leaders would tackle the issues on Friday.

Citing a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Malacañang said Kishida would be in the Philippines from Nov. 3 to 4, which will be highlighted by his bilateral meeting with Marcos.

“Both leaders are expected to discuss the two countries’ multifaceted and dynamic cooperation on political and security cooperation and economic and people-to-people relations,” the DFA said.

“Among the specific issues to be discussed are the West Philippine Sea, trade and investment, and Japan’s Official Development Assistance. They will also exchange views on major regional, international, and United Nations issues affecting the region and the world.”

Marcos will officially receive Kishida during a welcoming ceremony at Malacañan on Friday.

Earlier this year, Marcos undertook his official visit to Japan, during which he secured a total of USD13 billion worth of investment pledges that are expected to create additional employment for Filipinos. (PNA)