The Japanese government has designated former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as a special envoy to the Philippines to spearhead high-level talks on energy security and the deepening of strategic ties, according to an announcement from Tokyo’s embassy in Manila on Tuesday.
In a move to maintain diplomatic momentum, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed Kishida—who currently serves as the Supreme Advisor to the Parliamentary Association of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)—for the mission. The visit is slated to take place from April 30 to May 2.
This diplomatic mission serves as a critical precursor to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s upcoming state visit to Japan, scheduled for May 26 to 29, signaling a period of intensified engagement between the two nations.
According to the Japanese embassy, Kishida’s itinerary includes meetings with top-ranking Philippine officials to “exchange views on promoting tangible initiatives under AZEC and strengthening bilateral relations, among others.”
The AZEC framework represents a collaborative regional effort to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions. The initiative brings together Japan and the Philippines alongside Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
This push for green energy cooperation follows Japan’s previous commitment of $10 billion in financial support for Southeast Asian partners.
The funding is intended to stabilize energy supplies and navigate the global market volatility triggered by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.