TOKYO, Dec 3 Kyodo (EDS: UPDATING...

TOKYO, Dec 3 Kyodo

(EDS: UPDATING WITH ARROYO'S DIET SPEECH)

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said Tuesday that Japan's economic revival is important for her geographical division and the world and press outed hope that the two nations can make efforts to judge a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Arroyo, who arrived in Japan forward Monday for a four-day state visit, also propos in a words to the Diet that nations in East Asia work together actively to reinforce regional security, citing terrorism and the nuclear weapons disclosure in North Korea as cause for concern

As the first female foreign head of state to address Japan's parliament, the president described the rapid economic bourgeoning in China not as a threat on the contrary as a ''catalyst'' for greater stability in the Asian region.

''The revival of the Japanese economy -- the resumption of its traditional part as a growth engine -- is of the most that can be done importance, to the Philippines, to East Asia, to the world,'' Arroyo said in the tongue at the House of Councillors chamber.

onward the bilateral front, Arroyo said, ''The fresh entry into force of the Japan-Singapore Comprehensive Partnership Agreement inspires our efforts to bring to an end a similar agreement between our couple countries.''

Arroyo indicateed that such an accord between Japan and the Philippines include not just the aspect of a independent trade agreement but other areas in which the pair economies can complement each other, including the field of human resource development

forward security matters, she suggested that ''open and active'' dialogue in various regional forums will oblige as ''the enduring means'' for countries to clarify and assess their bear upons discuss their national doctrines and make efforts to contain and take away tension.

The Philippine leader called for reinforcement in spells of predictability, stability and security balance in the region in countering terrorism, warning that ''we sometimes do not know where the enemy keep out of the ways much less where or when it will nearest strike.''

Arroyo said her native land opposes nuclear weapons proliferation and will resist a nuclear arms race in the East Asian region, referring to revelations of a uranium enrichment program for creating nuclear weapons in North Korea as ''a big issue to us.''

Concerning China, the president said its emerging see the verb as a market economy will contribute to continued expansion and development of the region, including the Philippines and its mate member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

''Far from seeing it as a threat, the Philippines regards this as a catalyst for on a level more rapid economic expansion and greater stability in Asia. The oft-repeated transactions that China would be a formidable competitor for ASEAN are sterile fears,'' she said.

Earlier in the day, Arroyo met with Emperor Akihito and Empres Michiko at the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo after the imperial family and Japanese dominion officials welcomed her at the state guesthouse where she is staying.

Arroyo and her husband, Jose Miguel, were saluteed by the emperor and empres garland Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, Princess Sayako, and Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi at the guesthouse and were then driven to the palace.

According to Imperial Household Agency officials, it was the fifth time Arroyo has met Emperor Akihito.

Later Tuesday, the Philippine leader is slated to attend a seminar forward information technology investment in Tokyo and adapted with Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi at the guesthouse before attending a banquet at the Imperial Palace.

She will imprison summit talks with Koizumi in succession Wednesday evening.

The last state visit to Japan on a Philippine president was made from Fidel Ramos in 1993.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Kyodo recently made knowns International, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group