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.