Japan's Abe to visit Philippines next month

MANILA - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make a two-day official visit to the Philippines next month, Philippine diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

The sources said Abe, accompanied by a business delegation, will visit Manila and Davao City, the home city of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, on Jan. 12 and 13.

Abe will discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues with President Duterte during the visit.

Both leaders will have a closed-door meeting together with cabinet officials on how to improve trade and relationship between the two countries, the sources said.

Duterte made a three-day state visit to Japan last October.

The Japanese Air Force One, an aircraft operated by Japan Self Defense Force, landed in Davao City International Airport last Tuesday, apparently on a test run.

The aircraft, a Boeing 747, is used by the Japanese government to transport the prime minister, emperor, and other high-ranking government officials.

Philippines' Foreign Affairs Department has yet to officially announce Abe's visit.