Japanese emperor, empress to visit Philippines in 2016

MANILA, Philippines - The imperial couple of Japan will make a state visit to the Philippines in 2016, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Philippines is coordinating with Japan for the visit of Japanese Emperor Akihito and his wife Empress Michiko.

"We are pleased to announce that the Philippines has started necessary coordination with Japan for a visit of Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, to the Philippines, possibly in early 2016," Coloma said in an e-mail to reporters.

Coloma said the visit of the Japanese imperial couple responded to the invitation of President Benigno Aquino, who met with them during his state visit to Japan in June.

"It will be the first time a reigning Emperor of Japan will be visiting the Philippines, and returns the warm welcome Their Majesties extended to the president when he visited Tokyo earlier this year," Coloma said.

During their meeting in June, Aquino thanked the imperial couple for Japan's continued friendship with the Philippines.

"For 59 years, our two nations have demonstrated that we can work together for our advancement and mutual benefit," Aquino said in Japan during a banquet hosted by the imperial couple.

"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," the president added.