Japan PM last leader to arrive for APEC

MANILA, Philippines – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Wednesday morning after attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Antalya, Turkey.

 

Abe was the last Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leader to arrive in Manila. He was accompanied by his wife, Akie Abe during his arrival.

 

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manolo Lopez welcomed Abe at the airport.

 

Abe was initially scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and lead the ninth session at the APEC CEO Summit Dialogue in Makati Shangri-la on Wednesday but he is now just scheduled to attend the APEC Leaders’ Meeting.

 

Last June, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III paid a state visit in Japan where he and Abe signed a joint declaration that aims to elevate their strategic relationship as well as hold joint exercises to maintain maritime safety in the South China Sea.

 

Abe is Japan’s youngest leader since World War II. He is now on his second non-consecutive term since he previously stepped down due to health issues.