President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his
gratitude to Japan's Emperor Akihito as the Chief Executive hosted a state
banquet in honor of the emperor and his wife, Empress Michiko, in Malacañang
Palace on Wednesday evening.
In his toast, President Aquino recalled how the
Philippines and Japan overcame challenges “during the dark episodes in the
history of our nations”.
"It is, however, upon this history that we
have built a far more enduring relationship. Japan has been a consistent, able,
and trustworthy partner, who has helped advance our people’s progress," he
said.
Citing examples, he said that in 2014, Japan was
the Philippines' top trading partner, and was the top source of the country’s
active Official Development Assistance and Investment Promotion Agency-approved
foreign investments.
Japan has likewise been “a vital partner in our
peace process and the development of Mindanao”, as well as in the enhancement
of the Philippines’ maritime and disaster management capabilities, he said.
"You have also been a staunch ally in
advancing the rule of law in our region. For all this, and many more, I, on
behalf of my countrymen, say: Domo arigato gozaimasu,” said President Aquino.
According to the President, it was his fourth
time to meet Their Majesties, first when he accompanied his mother, the late
president Corazon Aquino, on her visit to Japan in 1986, and the others were
during his visits to Japan as President.
"In all my encounters with Your Majesties,
I have always admired the simplicity, sincerity, and grace you
demonstrate," he said.
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The five-day state visit of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko
comes at an auspicious time as the Philippines and Japan celebrate their 60th
year of diplomatic relations. (PCOO News Release)
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