(VOVworld) – The Philippines will be the first leg of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to ASEAN countries, which will begin on Wednesday.

(Photo: philstar.com)

Mr. Abe and Filipino President Rodrigo Duterte will discuss cooperation in economics, defense, counter-terrorism, and raids on drug criminals. Mr. Duterte told reporters that the visit demonstrates solidarity.

Prime Minister Abe’s visit is part of Japan’s policy of improving relations with ASEAN countries to strengthen Japan’s role in the region. ASEAN is a dynamic economic area and a potential market for Japanese exports, a key component of the Abenomics agenda.