(CNN Philippines) – President Benigno Aquino III was given a royal welcome by the Imperial family on Wednesday (June 3) on his second day of a four-day state visit aimed at fortifying security ties between the Philippines and Japan.
Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko led the five-minute welcome rites for Aquino at the Imperial Palace that saw the latter being conferred the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest honor awarded to outstanding individuals by the Japanese monarchy.
Aquino, on the other hand, returned the honors by awarding Emperor Akihito the Order of Lakandula with rank of Supremo.
Aside from their Majesties, also present during the short ceremony were Crown Prince Naruhito, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and First Lady Akie.
A State Call then followed the welcome honors, where Emperor Akihito thanked the President for visiting Japan. Aquino, in turn, expressed his gratitude to the Emperor, especially for Japan’s contributions for the relief operations and the recovery of Eastern Visayas from the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Aquino’s visit is the latest move by the President and Prime Minister Abe to strengthen security ties between the two nations as Southeast Asian nations face China’s growing naval ambitions.
Part of Aquino’s four-day visit is a meeting with Abe where they are expected to discuss the “enhancement of the Philippines-Japan Strategic Partnership and exchange views on recent regional developments.”
Aquino is expected to later address Japanese parliament in Tokyo before returning to the Imperial Palace where their Majesties will be hosting a state banquet in his honor at 7 p.m.
The Chief Executive is also scheduled for a series of calls and meetings with different business executives that aim to further boost the economic and bilateral relations of the two countries.
