Aquino sees fruitful visit to Japan

By: Kristine Angeli Sabillo - 10 years ago

MANILA, Philippines – Hours before he was scheduled to arrive in Japan, President Benigno Aquino III expressed optimism that his visit to Japan would be a fruitful one.

“Ngayon palang ay nakikita na natin ang positibong bunga ng biyaheng ito [As early as now I could already see the positive things this trip will bring],” he said at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) just before he left the country to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Aquino and his Cabinet members will first meet with Abe in Tokyo before heading to Hiroshima where the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) conference will be held.

During his departure speech, Aquino expressed gratitude to Japan because of its government’s support to the peace process in Mindanao, as well as the rebuilding of provinces hit by typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan).

Japan is also the Philippines’ top trading partner and largest donor of official development assistance.

“Kaya marapat lang na sagarin ang pagkakataong tulad nito upang higit pang mapalakas ang ating ugnayan sa pagpapaunlad ng ating mga ekonomiya at kabuhayan ng ating mga mamamayan,” Aquino said.

(It is but right to take advantage of an opportunity like this to further strengthen our relations in developing our economies and improving the livelihood of our citizens.)

The President said he would also take the opportunity to thank Japan for its help over the past years, from contributing to local tourism to investing in infrastructure and reform.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, left, and Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pose for photos before their meeting at Abe’s office in Tokyo Tuesday, June 24, 2014. AP

Many, however, are anticipating their discussion of the maritime disputes with China since both Japan and the Philippines are among the many claimants to the South China Sea.

Aquino did not mention China in his speech but pointed out that Japan was one of the two countries that the Philippines has a strategic partnership with, the other being Australia. The strategic partnership is meant to elevate security cooperation among countries.

Analysts believe the Philippines is seeking partnerships with strong nations in the Pacific to counter China’s clout in the region.

Meanwhile, the Jica meeting will tackle the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro inked by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Japan and its aid agency Jica are among the active supporters of the peace process in Mindanao.

Aquino is expected to return to Manila on Tuesday evening.

Originally posted: 11:50 am | Tuesday, June 24th, 2014