MANILA, Philippines – Ninoy Aquino International Airport runways will be closed for commercial operations on Tuesday, January 26 – from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm – and on Sunday, January 31 – 11am to 12 noon – for the arrival and departure of Japan Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued notice to airmen (notam) on Monday, January 25, informing them of the closure of runways to accommodate special operations for the visit.
“The royal family will be flying on flight JF001 on board a Boeing B747-400 of Japan air force and will be accompanied by his entourage on board flight JF002 with the same aircraft type,” CAAP said in a statement.
President Benigno Aquino III is set to welcome the two on Wednesday, January 27, at the Malacañang Palace.
Their state visit marks the 60th anniversary of the 2 countries’ diplomatic relations, earlier marred by the Second World War and the Japanese occupation of the country. Their last visit to the country was in 1962.
“Their Majesties’ State Visit is a major highlight and fitting start to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Japan in 2015,” Palace Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma earlier said.
On January 29, the two royals will visit Caliraya and Los Baños in Laguna to visit memorial sites of Filipino and Japanese veterans. They are also expected to meet with Filipino-Japanese communities during their 5-day visit. (READ: Japanese emperor to honor WWII dead during PH state visit)
The Japanese royals’ visit comes at a time when the two countries are consolidating their forces in the wake of China’s aggressiveness in the South China Sea.
In June 2015, the two nations signed a Declaration for a Strengthened Strategic Partnership and its Action Plan, which was strongly condemned by China. (READ: PH beefs up defense deals amid dispute with China)
In a bilateral meeting in November, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Japan is considering providing large patrol vessels to the Philippine Coast Guard, the main agency tasked to secure the almost 40,000-km coastline of the country. – Rappler.com