NAIA Terminal II, Pasay City
2 June 2015

“Hindi naman po lingid sa kaalaman ng marami: Sa nakalipas na 59 taon, lampas-lampas pa sa kanilang obligasyon ang naibigay ng mga Hapon na tulong, suporta, at malasakit sa ating bansa,” said President Benigno S. Aquino III as he departed Manila for his four-day State Visit to Japan.

In his remarks, the President emphasized that apart from being among the countries supporting the Philippines in its territorial claims, Japan is also among the first few who rendered immediate response at the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda in 2013.

Alongside the booming Japanese investments in the country like malls, restaurants and merchandise, Japan had likewise greatly contributed in promoting lasting peace in Mindanao.

Upon his arrival in the “Land of the Rising Sun”, President Aquino is set to meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. Also among the highlights of the State Visit is his scheduled dialogue with the Filipino Community, including the nine (9) cadets of the exchange program between the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the National Defense Academy of Japan.

He will also attend the Nikkei 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia, an event organized by the biggest media group in Japan. “Ibabahagi po natin doon ang mga repormang ipinatupad natin sa pamahalaan, na nagbunga ng positibong pagbabago para sa ating kababayan,” President Aquino stated.

*  *  *