Vietnamese Pres. Welcomed at Japan Imperial Palace

May 30, 2018

Tokyo- A welcoming ceremony for Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and his wife, who are visiting Japan as state guests, was held at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The ceremony was attended by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, as well as Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako.

Quang's visit is the last opportunity for the Emperor to attend welcoming events for a state guest before his scheduled abdication at the end of April next year, according to Japanese government officials.

During the ceremony, both countries' national anthems were played and the president reviewed an honor guard.

After the ceremony, the Imperial and presidential couples held talks in the Take-no-Ma audience room at the palace.

When the Imperial couple's visit to Vietnam last year came up in the conversation, the president said, "We'll never forget the consideration you showed for our country and people."

"I still fondly remember that I received a warm welcome," the Emperor said. "I'd like to thank you again."

A banquet will be held in the evening for the Vietnamese couple at the palace.

This is the first time for a Vietnamese president to visit Japan as a state guest since March 2014.

The Emperor and Empress visited Vietnam to promote bilateral friendship between late February and early March last year. Jiji Press