President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is scheduled to leave this week to attend the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan Commemorative Summit.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu in a Palace briefing on Monday said the President is leaving on Dec. 15.

“Now, this is very important because Japan is one of the first dialogue partners of ASEAN, and it’s one of the most dynamic. And its participation in ASEAN has covered not only political security matters such as defense and transnational crime and mutual legal assistance, but also mutual economic activities which all help in community building in ASEAN; and also cultural and people-to-people activities,” Espiritu said.

He said the President may have a bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Details however are still being firmed up.

On Dec. 16, President Marcos will attend the dinner hosted by Kishida at the State Guest House or the Akasaka Palace.

Espiritu said the summit, which will be held on Dec. 17, includes a session on the reviewing of ASEAN-Japan relations and international and regional developments including issues in the West Philippine Sea.

“So here, not only will they review the cooperation activities of ASEAN through the years, but also they will discuss South China Sea, East China Sea, Myanmar, North Korea and other international developments that have a bearing on ASEAN,” he said.

The summit will also have a session which focuses on student and youth exchange, art and cultural cooperation, and sports cooperation, ASEAN-Japan Economic Partnership, trade and investment, supply chain, connectivity and infrastructure, climate change, and food and energy security.

Espiritu said leaders will be attending a pre-gala commemorative lighting ceremony at Azabudai Hills and will proceed to Okura Hotel for the gala dinner.

During his visit to Japan, President Marcos will also attend an event organized by the Asia Zero Emission Community, a separate regional organization composed of ASEAN, Japan, and Australia.

Espiritu said on the sidelines of the summit, there will also be business meetings and bilateral business meetings which will be led by the Department of Trade and Industry. (PNA)