Philippine government officials will have visa exemptions when entering Japan, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said.
According to a joint statement of Japan and the Philippines released by the Embassy of Japan, Kishida made the announcement during a Summit-level Working Dinner with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday evening.
“Prime Minister Kishida announced visa exemption mainly for Philippine government officials,” the joint statement read.
“President Marcos welcomed Japan’s announcement and expressed his hope to build upon this momentum to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between the two countries,” it added.
It was not disclosed yet when this will be effective.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in Manila expressed its gratitude to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for the speedy action to effect the deportation of four Japanese fugitives wanted for theft and robbery in Japan.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your utmost understanding and steadfast cooperation in the deportation of the four suspected Japanese nationals,” Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko said, in a February 9 letter to Remulla.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the Philippine government deported fugitives Toshiya Fujita, Kiyoto Imamura, Tomonobu Saito, and Yuki Watanabe to Japan.
The four are suspected of directing a series of robberies in their country, while detained in the Philippines.
“I am certainly looking forward to furthering our close ties in order to holistically deepen, strengthen, and enhance Philippine-Japan relations in all aspects,” Koshikawa stressed.
President Marcos is currently on a five-day official visit to Japan and will return to Manila on Sunday, February 12.
