Sunday 28 July 2013

PIA News Dispatch - Saturday, July 27, 2013

Japanese Prime Minister Abe arrives in Manila

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Manila Friday evening for a two-day official visit to the Philippines aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Among the government officials who welcomed Abe were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Transportation and Communication Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.

The Japanese prime minister arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 at around 9:00 p.m. Friday.

Immediately after his arrival Abe proceeded to the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City for a reception hosted by the Philippines-Japan Society.

In his message during the event, Abe said he is grateful that he was able to once again visit the Philippines after his huge political victory in Japan. He said he first visited the country six and a half years ago during his first term as Japan’s leader.

The visiting Japanese leader said he hopes that with the revival of the Japanese economy Japan could contribute to peace and stability in the Asian region.

Being both maritime nations, Abe said he supports the Philippines position in upholding the rule of law in the contested waters in the region. He said he hopes the Philippines could also contribute to peace and prosperity of the Asian region by adhering to the guidelines supported by the international community.

Japan and the Philippines share common values on democracy, freedom and deep respect to human rights as well as the rule of law making these the foundations for stronger bilateral relations, he said.

Abe also praised the Philippines for having a continuously increasing population, noting this is the country’s asset. This is contrary to Japan’s experience as it faces several concerns because of its aging society, a country with slowly diminishing succeeding generations of nation builders.

With regards to the Philippines-Japan Society, the Japanese prime minister said the organization has been contributing to stronger bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines adding that attendees to the occasion will be the bridge between Japan and the Philippines in future relations.

President Benigno Aquino III welcomed Abe in Malacanang Saturday to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues, and ways to further advance the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Abe’s stop in the Philippines is the last leg of his three-Asian-nation tour, after visiting Malaysia and Singapore. PND (as)


Aquino welcomes Japanese Prime Minister Abe in Malacanang

President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during arrival honors in Malacañang Palace on Saturday.

A 21-gun salute was rendered in honor of the Prime Minister during the playing of the national anthems of both countries at 10 a.m. at the Malacañang grounds.

After the arrival ceremonies, the President ushered Prime Minister Abe to Malacañang Palace for the traditional signing of the Palace Guest Book.

The visiting Prime Minister arrived in Manila on Friday for a two-day Official Visit. The Philippines is Prime Minister Abe's last leg in his 3-nation tour of Southeast Asian neighbors.

Earlier, Abe first went to Rizal Park in Manila for the wreath-laying rites at the foot of the monument of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, before proceeding to Malacanang Palace.

Joining the President in welcoming the Prime Minister were Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, National Economic and Development Authority Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs Ronald Llamas, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr., Presidential Management Staff head Secretary Julia Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Commission on Higher Education head Patricia Licuanan, among others.

President Aquino and Prime Minister Abe are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues, and further advance the Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Prime Minister Abe visited the Philippines in December 2006 during his first term as head of the Japanese Government.

In 2012, Japan was the Philippines’ number one trade partner and provider of official development assistance as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals.

Prime Minister Abe undertook a 3-nation swing in the southeast that brought him to Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. PND (js)


President Aquino commits to further strengthen relations with Japan not only to improve economic engagements but also maritime and security ties

President Benigno S. Aquino III has committed to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and Japan not only to improve economic engagements but also maritime and security ties.

In his speech during a joint conference with Japenese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, following the signing of the expanded bilateral agreement between the two countries in Malacanang on Saturday, the President said both countries vowed to actively pursue strategies for growth and positive engagement.

The Prime Minister's official visit to Manila is expected to elevate the Philippines-Japan strategic partnership to an even higher plane of vigor, dynamism and relevance, the President said.

"We reviewed the security challenges that confront our nations, and pledged to cooperate in advancing our common advocacy for responsible action from international players. We believe that it can be done by upholding the rule of law in international affairs, and by finding just and peaceful solutions to our territorial disputes and maritime concerns—so that we may create a secure and stable environment that leads to our collective progress," he said.

Both leaders had agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation, which is a pillar of our strategic partnership.

"We thank the Japanese Government for helping enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard by building multi-role response vessels and by providing communication systems for their use," he said.

Under the expanded bilateral agreement, Aquino said both leaders agreed to strengthen their bilateral policy dialogues, and to continue high-level visits and people-to-people exchanges.

The President welcomed the Japanese Government’s decision to encourage more Filipino tourists to visit Japan by allowing multiple-entry visas, and the expansion of the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youth program.

He said the Japanese move paves the way for the students of both countries to cultivate friendships and deepen their appreciation for their respective cultures and societies.

"On the economic front, I congratulated the Prime Minister for the economic gains that Japan enjoys at present. This revival is the result of the Japanese government’s resolve to efficiently manage the economy by improving productivity and increasing the participation of citizens, particularly women, in the labor force. This growth is a positive sign for the global economy and for the Filipino people," the President said.

In 2012, Japan was the number one trade partner of the Philippines and provider of official development assistance, as well as the second major source of approved investments and third source of tourist arrivals.

"After all, Japan is the Philippines’ top trading partner, in 2012, our total bilateral trade amounted to 16.35 billion dollars. Japan remains our largest source of development assistance, and our country’s second largest source of approved investments, which in the previous year amounted to more than 69 billion pesos. Japan is also our third largest source of tourists, as 412,474 Japanese nationals visited our shores last year," he said.

Aquino said the Philippines will continue to initiate reforms to make the country a stable investment destination.

"Inclusiveness and the adherence to sound policy fundamentals are the same principles that have paved the way for the resurgence of our own economy. During our discussions, I underscored the commitment of my administration to meaningful reform, which is essential in nurturing an attractive and stable investment climate," the President said.

The President, likewise, thanked Prime Minister Abe for Japan’s commitment to Philippine development, and for extending assistance in critical areas such as infrastructure development, transportation, connectivity, and disaster preparedness and response.

During the press conference, the Prime Minister presented to Aquino the technical assistance provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in developing a Transport Roadmap Study for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas.

"I also expressed appreciation for Japan’s positive response to our request for a Post Disaster Stand-by Loan through the Stand-by Emergency Credit for Urgent Recovery. I also thanked the Prime Minister for the positive indication from his government with respect to improvements in the Philippines’ aviation safety standards; we look forward to productive discussions for our air services," he said. PND (js)


President Aquino announces intention to attend Commemorative Summit in Tokyo in December this year

President Benigno S. Aquino III announced his intention to attend the Commemorative Summit in Tokyo in December, marking the 40th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo this coming December.

"As I have told the Prime Minister, I look forward to the Commemorative Summit in Tokyo in December, as we mark the 40th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation," the Chief Executive said in his speech during a joint conference with His Excellency Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, in Malacanang on Saturday.

"The relationship between Japan and ASEAN serves as a cornerstone of harmony and dialogue in our part of the world," Aquino said.

ASEAN and Japan's cooperative partnership began in 1973 with the establishment of ASEAN-Japan forum on synthetic rubber. Through the years, ASEAN and Japan have forged close cooperation towards peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia.

The ASEAN and Japan have established close business partnership with total bilateral trade amounting to 248 billion US dollars in 2011. ASEAN member-states are major foreign direct investment destinations for Japanese enterprises.

"Your Excellency (Prime Minister Abe), your presence today reaffirms our shared commitment to deepen our relations, foster cooperation, and more importantly build a more peaceful and more secure Asia Pacific region. It is by treading the path to progress and peace that we can bring about meaningful change for our peoples," he said. PND (js)


Japanese Prime Minister Abe underscores strenghtening friendly ties with the country

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recalled Saturday that his grandfather, former Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, was the first prime minister to visit the Philippines in 1957.

“[A]nd ever since then, both Japan and the Philippines have continued to foster friendship,” Abe noted in a toast during the official luncheon hosted by the President in his honor on the occasion of his Official Visit, the second since 2006, during his first term as head of the Japanese government.

Prime Minister Abe also thanked President Aquino for a warm welcome and lauded “the excellent Philippine economy.”

For his part, President Aquino assured Prime Minister Abe that the Philippines is committed to further strengthen its relationship with Japan.

“Mr. Prime Minister, the relations between our countries have been extensive and historic. After overcoming conflict, we have developed both a strong alliance and a deep friendship,” the President said.

President Aquino recalled that Japan was one of the first countries to support his mother’s government after the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, and that one of the first countries that his mother visited as president was Japan.

“Now, our relations have only grown stronger on the foundation of our shared beliefs in democracy and in the rule of law,” he said.
The president further underscored that Japan is one of the Philippines’ strategic partners.

“Moving forward, the Philippines fully intends to deepen our relationship with Japan so that we may bequeath to younger generations a legacy of prosperity, peace and productive solidarity between our countries,” he said.

“So long as we stand alongside one another and build further on our long friendship, then certainly, we can move closer to realizing our common aspiration of a peaceful and prosperous Asia Pacific Region,” he added.


Japanese Prime Minister Abe is in Manila for an official visit. It is his second visit to the Philippines as Prime Minister. President Aquino welcomed the Japanese Prime Minister on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Malacanang after the wreath laying ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila. PND (co)