President Benigno Aquino lll. AP photo
MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III’s official working visit to Japan later this week will confirm anew the “strategic partnership” between Manila and Tokyo, according to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Toshinao Urabe.
In a news conference at the Japanese Embassy in Pasay City, Urabe expressed confidence on Tuesday, the President’s trip would result in “closer relations” between the two countries.
Mr. Aquino’s visit, scheduled for Sept. 25 to 28, would further prove that relations between the Philippines and Japan have been “maturing nicely,” Urabe told reporters.
The President is expected to “uplift the spirits of Filipinos” based in the north Asian country, especially those living near the areas devastated by the quake and ensuing tsunami early this year. And this was exactly what popular Filipino pop singer Sarah Geronimo did during her recent concert in Yokohama City, located at Kanagawa Prefecture, according to the Japanese Embassy.
In a statement, the Embassy in Pasay City cited Geronimo for her contributions to Japan-Philippines ties.
“The government of Japan welcomed her endeavors…On Aug. 29, the then State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Chiaki Takahashi received a courtesy call from Ms Geronimo. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the support extended by the Filipino people at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. While there was a decrease in foreign tourists since the (March) disaster, (Geronimo) not only encouraged the Filipino people in Japan but also conveyed a positive message to the entire world that Japan is a safe place to visit.
This fact has been confirmed by State Secretary Takahashi who said, “Most parts of Japan have not been affected by the disaster at all, and remain open for business and travel,” said the mission.
The embassy quoted Geronimo as having said, “Despite the disaster, Japan supported me and made my biggest concert successful. When I go back to the Philippines, I would like to send a message to the Filipinos that Japan is a safe country to visit and encourage them to experience Japan.”
Sarah Geronimo
Geronimo, also a film and television star, has “successfully made a front act” for the President, quipped an embassy insider.
During the news conference, Urabe clarified that Mr. Aquino has not been scheduled to visit “the Fukushima (nuclear power plant) accident zone.”
Instead, the President would visit Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, located about 100 kilometers north of Fukushima, Urabe said.
Like Fukushima, Ishinomaki was also affected by the killer quake and tsunami.
According to Urabe, Mr. Aquino will arrive at the Tokyo international airport in the afternoon of Sept. 25.
The following day, he is scheduled to take a short trip to Ishinomaki.
On Sept. 27, the President will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. The next day, he will have an audience with the Japanese emperor who will host a “court luncheon” in honor of the Philippine head of state.
After his meeting with the emperor, Mr. Aquino and his entourage will fly back to Manila.
“The government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of the President, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the Philippines,” said the embassy.
On Tuesday, Urabe disclosed that the Philippines has become “one of the candidate (country destinations)” for Japanese firms relocating from quake and tsunami-affected areas in northeastern Japan.
Citing news reports, the diplomat said “it seems (countries like Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines) are getting a share of the small and medium enterprises.”
At the same time, Urabe said there was a “huge potential” for more Japanese investments in the Philippines.
“We’re looking favorably at (President Aquino”s) economic policies… The policies should steadily and surely be implemented,” he noted.
Last year, Japanese investments in the country totaled P58.3 billion, bringing to P203.8 billion Tokyo’s direct investments here during the last five years.