MALACAÑANG on Monday confirmed that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would have a two-day official visit to the Philippines on January 12 to 13.

Speaking to reporters, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said that Abe’s visit will be focused on holding meetings with business tycoons in Manila and in Davao City.

Abella said the Japanese leader would spend his first day in Manila as he was scheduled to have a state dinner with President Rodrigo Duterte at the Malacañang Palace.

Abe would then go to Davao City on Friday to visit Duterte’s residence, the presidential spokesperson added.

“Apparently, Prime Minister Abe wants to visit the President’s house. It is interesting,” Abella said.

Abella said Duterte and Abe might come up with a deal addressing regional issues and counter-terrorism, as well boosting the business industry of the two countries.

During his official visit to Japan in October last year, Duterte was able to get 12 business agreements valued at $1.8 billion. The agreements were not government contracts but private-to-private joint undertakings. (Sunnex)