President Duterte is welcomed by top Japanese officials upon his arrival at Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. He is on a three-day official visit to Japan. AP
TOKYO – President Duterte is scheduled to meet with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe today, the second day of his official visit to Japan.
But before holding talks with Abe, Duterte will meet with the Japan-Philippines Parliamentarians Friendship League.
He will witness the signing of letters of intent by Japanese businessmen, and then speak before the Philippine Economic Forum.
Members of the cabinet are also scheduled to speak before the forum. Those who will address the group are Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Socio-economic planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, and Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol.
Philippine Economic Zone Authority chief Charito Plaza will also speak in the event.
Duterte’s meeting with Abe will be in the early evening.
They are expected to issue a joint statement afterward.
Duterte’s trip to Japan is an official visit.
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An official visit is when high ranking officials, whether cabinet level or the head of government, are invited to visit another country by its government, according to the government website.
If the head of government is the one arriving, honors are given by the host country. No luncheon or dinner is required. The host also pays for the cost of the visit for the official delegation.
In a state visit, the foreign head of state is invited by the host head of state.
The arrival ceremonies are more elaborate. They include the playing of the national anthems of the two nations, a review of the honor guards, and rendering of full military honors, including a 21-gun salute for the head of state. A state luncheon or dinner is held.
The host country pays for the cost of the visit of the official delegation.
In a working visit, no invitation is needed from the host country. The official would meet with his or her counterpart to discuss issues concerning both countries. The host country does not pay for the accommodations or other expenses of the official delegation during working visits. CDG