Tokyo, Japan
3 June 2015

President Benigno S. Aquino III participated at the 21st International Conference on the Future of Asia – Special Session in Tokyo on the second day of his State Visit to Japan.

In his speech, the President said that peace and security comprise the foundation of all progress, and that the two are pillars in which all forms of prosperity are built and sustained. He added that Japan and the Philippines know what it is like to overcome the scars brought by their past differences and how the two countries were able to re-establish friendship and stronger ties that promote stability and prosperity.

The President also relayed how the Japanese government supported his mother’s administration after martial law. He proudly cited how Japan and the Philippines are complementing each other’s economy such as Japan’s need for capable and intelligent nurses, and the Philippines’ abundance of them. He mentioned about the trading relation of both countries which has greatly increased as proven by the growing Japanese brand name in the country such as Mitsubishi, UNIQLO, Toyota and Epson, among others.

Moreover, President Aquino expressed his appreciation towards the continuous support of Japan to the Philippines and how it never failed to extend a helping hand, such as its large contribution thru the Official Development Assistance (ODA). Likewise, he also related how Japan supported peace in the Philippines when it opened its door for the first meeting with the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Before ending his speech, the President said that the future of Asia and the world rests on the ability of nations to identify and broaden pathways that connect the world, emphasizing that his purpose for visiting Japan for the sixth time is to solidify the Philippines’ commitment as a friend to the Japanese people and as a responsible member of the community of nations.

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