Ferdinand Marcos will make the first state visit to Japan by a Philippine president in over a decade next month, the presidential palace said on Friday, at a time of deepening security co-operation between the two countries.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will receive Marcos and his wife Louise during the May 26-29 trip, with the Filipino leader also set to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the palace statement said.

Marcos and Takaichi "are expected to discuss the future trajectory of the Philippines-Japan Strengthened Strategic Partnership" as well as international developments, "especially with regard to energy and food security, and maritime security", it said.

The World War II foes have been strengthening military ties in recent years, with Tokyo supplying coastguard ships and radar systems and signing a reciprocal access deal that allowed Japanese troops to take part for the first time in annual US-Philippines military exercises.

About 1,400 Japanese personnel are currently in the Philippines for the sprawling, 19-day exercise known as Balikatan, or "Shoulder to Shoulder".

Tokyo has also helped Manila's efforts to modernise patrol craft and maritime surveillance systems.

Manila said Marcos will also meet with Japanese business groups and members of the Filipino community.

His state visit would be the first by an incumbent Filipino leader since Benigno Aquino's trip to Tokyo in 2015. (AFP)


Edited by Tony Sabine