PNoy thanks Japan for relaxed visa rules, Yolanda aid

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday thanked Japan for relaxing visa requirements for Filipino tourists and for its assistance to the victims of Super Typhoon "Yolanda."

Aquino expressed his gratitude to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their summit meeting and expanded bilateral talks held at the latter's residence in Tokyo.

"I likewise thanked him for making it possible for even more Filipino tourists to visit this country, with the further relaxation of visa regulations," Aquino said after the meeting.

The President also thanked Abe's countrymen who visit the Philippines.

"Conversely, with the sustained enthusiasm of Japanese nationals for my country’s tourist spots, more of your people are finding out firsthand why it is indeed more fun in the Philippines. We thank the Japanese people for their contributions to my country’s economic growth," he added.

Last week, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced that multiple-entry visa requirements for Filipino tourists will be substantially relaxed, and requirements for single-entry tourism visas will be relaxed to a quasi-exemption-equivalent level.

The MOFA said the move is an initial step for the exemption of visa requirements for nationals of the three countries.

Besides the relaxation of visa requirements, Aquino also thanked Japan for the humanitarian assistance to those affected by Yolanda.

The President said the Japan Self-Defense Forces and disaster relief medical teams were among those from Japan and the international community who mobilized to help the Philippines in the aftermath of the disaster.