Imperial Palace, Japan
3 June 2015

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Emperor Akihito exchanged gratitude during a state call of the President on Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at the Imperial Palace.

In their meeting, President Aquino thanked Japan’s extended assistance at the wake of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) while Emperor Akihito thanked him for accepting the invitation to hold a State Visit in their country.

Emperor Akihito also conferred the Supreme Order to President Aquino with the Grand Cordon of Supreme Order of Chrysanthemum, Japan’s highest honor accorded to a visiting guest. In return, President Aquino also bestowed on Emperor Akihito the Order of Lakandula Grand Collar (Supremo), for his contributions in strengthening the relations between Japan and the Philippines.

He was introduced by Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko to a roster of VIPs, including Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during the welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace.

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