Noy to visit Tokyo for Asean-Japan summit

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino is set to visit Tokyo to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan Commemorative Summit on Dec. 12 to 15.

Before that, Aquino will receive Myanmar President Thein Sein in Malacañang for a state visit scheduled on Dec. 4 to 6. This is Thein’s first state visit to the Philippines since he came to office in 2011. The last head of state of Myanmar who visited the Philippines was Prime Minister Soe Win in 2005.

Malacañang has yet to confirm and provide details of Aquino’s trip to Japan.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., however, said the trip would be announced at the proper time.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had visited the Philippines as well as other countries in Southeast Asia, which marked a kickoff of the 40th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.

The Japanese foreign ministry said Tokyo seeks to protect and promote together with ASEAN member-states universal values such as freedom, democracy and basic human rights.

Japan wants to ensure cooperation with ASEAN member states that the free and open seas, which are the most vital common asset, are governed by laws and rules and not by force.

Tokyo also welcomes the United States’ pivot to the Asia-Pacific region and wants to further promote trade and investment, including flows of goods, money, people and services, through various economic partnership networks, for Japan’s economic revitalization and prosperity of both Japan and ASEAN member states.

Japan seeks to protect and nurture Asia’s diverse cultural heritages and traditions; and promote exchanges among the young generations to further foster mutual understanding.

ASEAN and Japan have also established close business ties. In 2011, the total volume of trade between ASEAN and Japan reached $248 billion. ASEAN is now Japan’s second largest trading partner.

In addition, Japanese foreign direct investment into the region increased to 1.5 trillion yen (approximately $18.8 billion) in 2011, making ASEAN the second most common destination for Japanese enterprises behind the European Union.

In Manila, earlier reports said Aquino and Thein Sein would discuss issues of mutual concern, particularly in the areas of trade and investment, agriculture, energy, cultural exchange and information cooperation, among others.

The two leaders are also set to discuss regional issues, including Myanmar’s historic chairmanship of the ASEAN in 2014.

Aquino and Thein had their first bilateral meeting in Nay Pyi Taw on June 7 at the World Economic Forum on East Asia hosted by Myanmar.

The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1956.