Kishida visit highlights Japan-Philippines energy, MSME ties

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Philippines on 1 May, highlighting cooperation on energy transition and economic ties between Japan and Southeast Asia.

Kishida, serving as special envoy of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and a senior official of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), toured the Batangas LNG Terminal, a facility jointly operated by Japanese and Philippine firms.

The visit underscored efforts to promote liquefied natural gas as part of the Philippines’ energy transition and reflected ongoing bilateral cooperation under AZEC.

Kishida also met with members of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, where discussions focused on strengthening Japan-ASEAN relations, including support for micro, small and medium enterprises, as well as entrepreneurship and startups.

During his visit, Kishida held talks with Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and conveyed congratulations on his conferment of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun.

Zubiri welcomed Kishida’s visit and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Philippines-Japan relations.

Kishida also engaged with Japanese companies operating in the Philippines during his stay.