PH thanks Akihito for ‘advocating peace during 30-year reign’
THE Philippines on Tuesday expressed its gratitude to former Japanese emperor Akihito for fostering goodwill and friendship between Manila and Tokyo.
The Philippine government is thankful for Akihito’s “invaluable role in advocating peace during his 30-year reign,” said DFA Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez on the occasion of Akihito’s abdication on Tuesday, ending his three-decade reign.
“His Majesty the Emperor was the first member of the Japanese Imperial Household to visit the Philippines, doing so twice – as Crown Prince in 1962, and as Emperor in 2016,” he said.
“As the Heisei era draws to a close, the Government and people of the Philippines convey their sincerest best wishes for the good health and well-being of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress,” Fernandez said.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, in a statement, said “the Palace feels melancholic about the abdication of Japanese Emperor Akihito, who is considered a good friend of the Philippines.”
“But he has made a decision and we can only respect it and wish him well with whatever awaits him after he leaves the throne,” he said.
Prince Naruhito, 59, will ascend the throne on Wednesday. BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO
The post PH thanks Akihito for ‘advocating peace during 30-year reign’ appeared first on The Manila Times Online.