JUNE 4 (Eagle News) — President Benigno S. Aquino III and Emperor Akihito paid tribute to the “deep and abiding friendship” between the Philippines and Japan and of the strategic partnership between their people during a state banquet hosted by the latter and his wife, Empress Michiko, in honor of the visiting Philippine leader at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan.
In his remarks during the state banquet on Wednesday evening (June 3), President Aquino thanked the Imperial Family, the Japanese government and people for once again extending him their gracious hospitality in the course of his state visit in Japan.
Aquino said he sees stronger relations between the Philippines and Japan as a result of a commitment based on mutual respect, dignity, and solidarity.
“For 59 years, our two nations have demonstrated that we can work together for our advancement and mutual benefit,” the President said.
“Tonight, I am here in Tokyo as the leader of the Filipino nation, proud friends and partners of the Japanese people — the representative of a nation that has rediscovered its optimism and confidence.”
Mentioning the significant gains the Philippines has made under his watch, President Aquino said the success that the country has been enjoying is anchored on an unrelenting commitment to good governance and the backing of the Filipino people, who value integrity and honesty, knowing that true public service is the path towards realizing their aspirations.
These gains also became possible, owing to the support of the country’s international partners, he said.
Japan, he noted, is a major partner in this endeavor — from the Philippines’ economic interactions, to the two countries’ commitment to peace and development in Mindanao; from people-to-people exchanges to aid during calamities, and the shared advocacy of peace and the rule of law.
“Your Majesties, in the Philippines, friendships are not restricted to a single lifetime: they are cross-generational, in which long-standing relationships between parties are treasured and preserved,” he said.
He said the two countries’ relations have blossomed into a deep and abiding friendship, and a strategic partnership that will serve their peoples well.
“I say this with full confidence, because ours is a relationship founded on shared values: the importance we give to democracy, the unflagging strength of Filipinos and the Japanese, and our dedication to uplifting the lives of all our peoples, under the auspices of ‘achieving peace everywhere’,” he said.
The President expressed his deep appreciation for the Japanese emperor’s kindness and thanked him for honoring the lasting friendship that the two countries have maintained.
Both President Aquino and Emperor Akihito acknowledged that the deepening ties between their countries since the resumption of their diplomatic relations in 1956, has been mutually beneficial.
“Since the postwar resumption of diplomatic relations in 1956 until today, our two countries have worked hand in hand to develop our friendly relations,” Emperor Akihito said.
For his part, President Aquino stated that the Philippines has found a great ally in Japan, as the two countries have been actively supporting each other in various endeavors, especially in the economic front and during times of disasters.
On a more personal note, both President Aquino and Emperor Akihito waxed nostalgic as they reminisced about the beautiful memories they had created while visiting each other’s country for the first time.
President Aquino said he would not forget the kindness of the Imperial Family, especially that of Emperor Akihito’s father, the late Emperor Showa, who reminded him to take care of his parents when they met during his mother, the late president Corazon Aquino’s first visit to Japan in 1986.
“I was struck by the simplicity and sincerity of his tone as he reminded me to take care of my mother—something that my own father had told me when I was 13 years old, in what we thought was the last time we would ever speak. On that occasion, the late Emperor Showa spoke a truism in telling me to care of my parents, but his warmth made me feel as if I were not a stranger,” he said.
Emperor Akihito likewise said he is grateful to President Aquino’s mother, whom he welcomed to Japan as a Crown Prince, as she was there to personally pay her respects during his father’s funeral in 1989 and when he acceded to the throne in 1990. (with reports from PND)
