TOKYO, Dec 3 Kyodo Visiting Phili...

TOKYO, Dec 3 Kyodo

Visiting Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo exhibited hope Tuesday that Japan will continue to fulfill its character as a leader of the regional economy, the Foreign Ministry said.

Arroyo, who made her remarks to Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi in a meeting at the state guesthouse, said the Philippines and other nations are hoping Japan maintains its part in leading the regional economy despite its acknowledge economic hardships, the ministry said.

Kawaguchi and Arroyo also agreed that their nations, along with other countries, will make ploted efforts in dealing with terrorism, piracy and other regional issues.

The foreign minister, who visited Arroyo in a courtesy call at the guesthouse, give utterance toed gratitude for the president's exhibit of appreciation and trust according to her country toward Japan in her earlier words at the Diet.

Kawaguchi also underscored the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asia to Japan. The Philippines is an ASEAN member.

Arroyo likewise thanked Japan for its support for her home as the Philippines' top aid donor, and reiterated her support for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's structural reform efforts.

upon the strife-torn southern Philippine island of Mindanao, Arroyo said Manila is working to stamp not at home the number of members of the Abu Sayyaf rebel assemblage from several thousand to several hundr and said necessity eradication is the key to rooting on the outside terrorism.

Arroyo arrived in Japan onward Monday for a four-day state visit, the first by way of a Philippine leader since Fidel Ramos in 1993 and will be holding talks with Koizumi upon Wednesday.

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