HÀ NỘI – President Trần Đại Quang and his wife Nguyễn Thị Hiền chaired a welcome ceremony in Hà Nội yesterday for Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko who arrived in Việt Nam on February 28 for a six-day state visit.
During a meeting following the ceremony, President Quang and his spouse warmly welcomed the Emperor and Empress on their first ever state visit to Việt Nam, describing the visit as historic for Việt Nam-Japan relations.
They expressed their belief that the visit will strengthen mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples, thus further expanding the extensive strategic partnership between Việt Nam and Japan.
President Quang expressed his thanks for the warm sentiments that the Japanese Emperor and Empress, Royal Family as well as the Japanese Government and people have given to Viet Nam over past years.
Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko showed delight at their first-ever visit to Việt Nam and thanked the Vietnamese side for its warm welcome.
The two sides reviewed bilateral relations, which began from the eighth century when Vietnamese Great Master Phat Triet came to Nara – Japan’s capital then – to perform Buddhism and cultural exchange activities, and Japanese traders sailed to Hội An port in Việt Nam in the 16th-17th century.
They expressed pleasure at the development of Việt Nam-Japan ties, while sharing the common hope of further bolstering the friendship between the two countries.
Emperor Akihito asserted that the historical exchange laid down an important foundation for the two sides to boost their partnership for development and the growth of Việt Nam-Japan ties.
At the meeting, President Quang and his spouse introduced the Japanese guests to the diverse and unique Vietnamese culture.
They said they wish to welcome more members of the Japanese Royal Family in 2018 when the two countries celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
The Emperor and Empress of Japan are symbols of the nation and the solidarity of Japanese people. They only make visits abroad on special commemorative occasions with partners sharing close relations with Japan.
 Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko laid a wreath and paid tribute to late President Hồ Chí Minh at his mausoleum in Hà Nội yesterday.

Also, yesterday, President Quang and his spouse hosted a State banquet in Hà Nội in honour of the Japanese Emperor.

Describing cultural similarities and close bonds between the two peoples as a solid foundation for bilateral ties, President Quang said Việt Nam and Japan are not only extensive strategic partners but also sincere friends who share joy and grief together.

He recalled how Vietnamese people from all walks of life shared the pain of the Japanese people over the losses caused by the earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, and he highlighted Japan’s support for Việt Nam’s  national development over the past years.

Emperor Akihito, in reply, expressed his thanks for the warm Vietnamese welcome toward him and Empress Michiko, as well as for the Japanese Crown Prince, Prince and Princess when they visited Việt Nam.

He said he was delighted that more Vietnamese people are interested in Japanese language and more Japanese enterprises are keen on business opportunities in Vietnam.

The Emperor said that the nearly 15,000 Japanese people living in Việt Nam and the two nations’ regular cultural exchanges have enhanced their cultural bonds. People-to-people exchange have also been deepened, he added. 

NA Chairwoman wishes for closer friendship with Japan

Yesterday,  National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân also met with Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko.
The host thanked the Japanese Emperor, Empress and Imperial House as well as the Japanese government, parliament and people for assisting Việt Nam in socio-economic development, including building major infrastructure works such as Cần Thơ bridge.
Emperor Akihito said he had looked forward to the visit.— VNS