Japan’s Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko on Wednesday laid a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal in honor of the Philippine national hero.
After meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang Palace, Their Majesties proceeded to Rizal Park in Manila for the wreath-laying ceremony.
The Emperor and the Empress arrived at the park at 12:10 p.m. and were welcomed by former president and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada and Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya.
Accompanied by Mayor Estrada, Their Majesties offered a wreath at the foot of the statue of Dr. Jose P. Rizal. During the ceremony, Their Majesties were also accorded military honors with a 21-gun salute.
After the ceremony, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were presented a symbolic key to the city by Mayor Estrada.
Later in the afternoon, the Japanese Imperial Couple will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
In the evening, President Aquino will host a state dinner for Their Majesties at Malacañang Palace.
The Imperial Couple arrived in Manila on Tuesday for a five-day state visit marking the 60th anniversary of Philippine-Japanese diplomatic relations. PND (co)
