This handout photo taken and released on February 9, 2023 by the Imperial Household Agency of Japan shows Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos (2nd L) and his wife Louise Araneta-Marcos (L) meeting with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito (2nd R) and Empress Masako (R) at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. AFP TOKYO—President Marcos has invited Japanese Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to visit the Philippines “at the most convenient time… in the very near future.” The President extended the invitations on Thursday afternoon when he was granted a royal audience with the emperor and empress, and in his bilateral meeting with Kishida afterward. “This afternoon, the first lady (Liza Araneta-Marcos) and I also had the distinct honor of having an audience with Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan. We had a memorable conversation and I deeply appreciate the Imperial audience accorded to me and the first lady,” Mr. Marcos said during a joint press conference with Kishida at the Japanese Prime Minister’s Office here. He added: “I have extended an invitation to Their Majesties to visit the Philippines at the most convenient time.” The Chief Executive also thanked Kishida for his earlier invitation to visit Japan, “one of the Philippines’ closest neighbors and closest friends.” “We hope to welcome Prime Minister Kishida to the Philippines for a return visit in the very near future,” he said. The President arrived at the Imperial Palace at around 4 p.m. (local time), where he was welcomed by the emperor and empress. The closed-door audience lasted for about 30 minutes. The media were not allowed inside the Imperial Palace to witness the meeting........ Read more: https://globalnation.inquirer.net/?p=210649#ixzz7srmqVeMs