Murayama to visit Manila Aug. 23-24

Murayama to visit Manila Aug. 23-24

MANILA (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama will visit the Philippines from Aug. 23-24 on the first leg of a four- nation Asian tour, an official source said yesterday.

The source at the Philippine foreign office said Murayama would meet with Philippine President Fidel Ramos to discuss a wide range of issues, including official aid, regional problems and the plight of Filipino women forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II.

He said, however, that the visit was a "familiarization tour" for the 70-year-old Japanese leader and his schedule would be light because of his age.

His schedule includes a wreath-laying ceremony, a state dinner at the presidential palace and a visit to the state-run Philippine General Hospital, which has been a recipient of Japanese official aid.

Murayama is also scheduled to visit Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.