Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in the country Wednesday morning to attend the high-level Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ meeting later in the day.
Abe’s plane landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 1 at 11:15 a.m.
The Inquirer reported earlier that President Benigno Aquino III and Abe were also set to forge a deal wherein Japan would provide the Philippines with used military equipment and aircraft that can patrol the West Philippine Sea.
READ: Sea row to eclipse Apec agenda
The Philippines is embroiled in a bitter maritime dispute with China over islands in the West Philippine Sea. China practically claims ownership of the entire South China Sea, including maritime territory within the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone which makes up the West Philippine Sea.
Born to politically prominent family, Abe had the distinction of being the youngest post-war Japanese prime minister and the only prime minister to be reelected to office.
Abe first became prime minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007. He had to give up his office due to health reasons.
After Abe’s first term, no prime minister in Japan stayed in office for more than a year. The spell was broken by Abe who staged a political comeback in 2012.
He was reelected as prime minister in 2014 during the general elections.
Abe studied political science in Seiki University and public policy at the University of Southern California.
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