Marcos: Japan trip an opportunity to affirm PH's position on issues

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said that his trip to Japan will be an opportunity to promote the Philippines' interests and present the country's position on various international issues. 

This was the President's message as he left for Tokyo to attend the 50th ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation on Friday.

 ''This last ASEAN-related Summit for the year presents an opportunity to once again affirm the Philippines’ position on current international issues and advance Philippine interests,'' Marcos said.

''It is also an opportunity to welcome the conferment of Comprehensive Partner Status to Japan, ASEAN’s trusted and reliable partner in peace, economic development, and community-building for the past 50 years or so,'' he added.

Marcos also vowed that his administration would ensure that constructive engagements with ASEAN, as well as external partners and stakeholders, will continue ''to best serve our national interest, inasmuch as we promote the regional interest of peace, security, and prosperity, for the well-being of the Filipino people.''

Marcos also said he would highlight the Philippines' long history of cultural exchange with Japan through the JENESYS Program.

The main day of the Summit will include discussions on the South China Sea and East China Sea as well as the situation in Myanmar and North Korea, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu had said.

Meanwhile, Marcos will also have a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The Presidential Communications Office said that Vice President Sara Duterte would be the country's caretaker while Marcos is in Japan.

Marcos will be in Japan until Monday, December 18. —VAL, GMA Integrated News