Japan relaxes visa rule for PH | Global News

Japan relaxes visa rule for PH

By: - Reporter / @NikkoDizonINQ
/ 07:57 PM June 24, 2014

Aquino Shinzo Abe Japan

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, left, talks with Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their meeting at Abe’s office in Tokyo Tuesday, June 24, 2014. AP

TOKYO—Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday announced that Filipinos wanting to visit Japan would have an easier time to get their visas following the relaxation of visa requirements for the Philippines.

“I also informed the President about the relaxation of visa requirements for the Philippines toward the promotion of human exchange. It is hoped that many tourists from the Philippines would visit Japan,” Premier Abe said in his statement following his summit meeting with President Benigno Aquino III.

Article continues after this advertisement

In response, Aquino said he thanked Premier Abe for this development that would make “possible for even more Filipino tourists to visit this country.”

FEATURED STORIES

“Conversely, with the sustained enthusiasm of Japanese nationals for my country’s tourist spots, more of your people are finding out firsthand why it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. I thank the Japanese people for their contributions to my country’s economic growth,” the President said.

In May, media reports claimed that Japan would waive visas for Filipinos, sending netizens in a flurry of excitement over the prospect of having an easier time to visit Japan.

Article continues after this advertisement

The Japanese Embassy in Manila quickly clarified that it was merely a proposal that has to be studied and would require bilateral talks between Manila and Tokyo.

Article continues after this advertisement

In a statement, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa said the government spent about P8.8 million for the President’s daylong working visit to Japan.

Article continues after this advertisement

President Aquino took a chartered flight to Tokyo accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

The President is set to arrive in Manila late Tuesday night.

Article continues after this advertisement

RELATED STORIES

Japan mulls no visa rule for Filipinos

Japan further relaxes visa rules for Filipinos

Netizens welcome Japan’s visa-free travel plan

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Features, Global Nation, Japan, President Aquino, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, visa

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.