Malacanan Palace
27 July 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, in a courtesy call at the Malacanan Palace.

The Prime Minister is in the country for a two-day official visit that aims to further strengthen relations between Japan and the Philippines. The two leaders met in an expanded bilateral meeting wherein they discussed certain points regarding strategic partnership, the economy, reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro, maritime cooperation and tourism.

President Aquino said that the two countries will continue on pursuing strategies for growth and positive engagement. He thanked the Prime Minister for Japan’s active role in assisting the peace process in Mindanao, as well as their assistance in enhancing the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard. He also thanked Japan for being the country’s top trading partner with a total bilateral trade of 16.35 billion dollars last year.

Moreover, the President mentioned Japan’s commitment for the development of the country’s infrastructure, transportation, connectivity and disaster preparedness. In the end, President Aquino assured that the two nations will strive for a more progressive and peaceful change.

After the meeting, the President hosted a luncheon for Prime Minister Abe and his delegation at the Rizal Hall.

This is the second visit of Prime Minister Abe in the country, as well as his second term as the Head of Government of Japan. He last visited the country in 2006.

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