Japanese emperor, empress end visit to Philippines

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko on Saturday ended their five-day state visit to the Philippines.

Manuel Quezon III, undersecretary of Philippine Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said the Japanese royal couple's visit "further deepens the friendship between our two countries, strengthening the foundation of our bilateral relations for years to come."

Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday.

This is their first official visit to the Philippines since 1962 when they were the crowned prince and princess of Japan.

The Philippines and Japan commemorate their 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year.

Source: XINHUA