President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to depart on 15 December for Japan to attend the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations -Japan relations, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

In a Malacañang Press Briefing, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Daniel Espiritu said the landmark summit marks a significant milestone in the partnership between ASEAN and Japan, considered one of the region's most dynamic and multifaceted partnerships.

"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.

"It's a whole gamut of relations, and they were able to sustain and develop it through the years such that this year, they were declared a comprehensive strategic partner of ASEAN," the Foreign Affairs official added.

Espiritu said Marcos' visit would include a series of engagements, starting with a potential bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Chief Executive will then participate in a welcome dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kishida at the Akasaka Palace.

The Foreign Affairs official said the main summit activities will be on 17 December. He pointed out that the leaders will review the progress of ASEAN-Japan relations and discuss regional developments, including the South China Sea, East China Sea, Myanmar, and North Korea.

The agenda also includes a session on people-to-people initiatives, focusing on youth exchange, art and cultural cooperation, and sports.
Later, the summit will delve into the ASEAN-Japan Economic Partnership, exploring trade, investment, infrastructure development, and climate change. The day will conclude with a commemorative lighting ceremony and a gala dinner.

The President's schedule also includes participation in the Asia Zero Emission Community, a regional organization dedicated to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. This event is particularly significant for the Philippines, which is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.