Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have concluded their first State-level visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse.
During their stay February 28- March 5, the royal couple met and attended a State banquet hosted by President Tran Dai Quang and his wife.
They also met Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.
During the meetings, both sides described the visit as of historical significance in Vietnam-Japan relations, saying it will help boost mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples and develop the extensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The two sides agreed that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is at its historical best and stressed the importance of the celebrations of the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2018.
They agreed that the relationship between Vietnam and Japan is on the most flourishing stage in the history. Next year, the two sides will cerebrate the 45th anniversary of the diplomatic ties, they noted, stressing that the historical exchange as well as similarities in culture between the two countries such as wet rice cultivation, sericulture and weaving as well as love for peace, which should be preserved and further promoted.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko showed their sympathy to Vietnamese people’s difficulties caused by climate change, including drought, saltwater intrusion and environmental pollution.
Both sides agreed upon the need for all countries across the globe to pay more attention to the protection of environment for ensuring health and living conditions of all people, while sharing their common perspectives on the significance of education to national development.
Within the framework of the visit, the Japanese Emperor and Empress met volunteers of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and staff of the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam.
They also hosted an exchange with Japanese alumni and the Japanese community in Vietnam, as well as the families of Japanese veterans living in Vietnam.
They also visited the Museum of Biology of the Vietnam National University in Hanoi. While staying in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, they enjoyed the Hue court music at Duyet Thi Duong Theatre, and visited the Imperial City of Hue and the commemorative area of patriot Phan Boi Chau.
VOV