Philippine president to visit Japan Sept. 25

Philippines'' President Benigno Aquino will make a four-day visit to Japan on Sept.25 during which he holds talks with senior officials here with a view to strengthening relations between the two countries, the Japanese Foreign Ministry announced on Friday. During his stay, Aquino will hold talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and have an audience with Emperor Akihito, the ministry said in a statement relayed by the Kyodo news agency today. During his stay here, the president is also scheduled to visit the northeastern city of Ishinomaki city, which was affected by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. It will be Aquino''s first official trip to Japan as president.