Merkel, Putin Send Congratulations to New Japanese Emperor

May 2, 2019

Washington --U.S. President Donald Trump sent congratulations to Japanese Emperor Naruhito on his enthronement on Wednesday.

"The First Lady and I send our most profound congratulations on behalf of all Americans" to the new Emperor, Trump said in a statement released on Tuesday local time.

"As the Japanese people embark upon a new era, 'Reiwa,' we will renew the strong bonds of friendship between our two

Berlin/Moscow--German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Japanese Emperor Naruhito on his ascension to the throne in separate statements on Wednesday.

Merkel, who met the Emperor during her visit to Tokyo in February and his visit to Germany as crown prince in 2011, said she would be "extremely pleased" to host the new Emperor in Germany again.

"I wish you all the best for your regency and your continued successful development in security and peace," Merkel said.

"In view of the many and varied global challenges, cooperation between our countries remains central," Merkel said on bilateral relations. "I am convinced that the close and trusting friendship between Japan and Germany will also be deepened."

In his greetings, Putin emphasized the importance of cooperation between Russia and Japan. "Our bilateral relations have significantly expanded in the recent period," Putin said. "I am confident that the further build-up of Russian-Japanese cooperation in various fields fits with the fundamental interests of our peoples and promotes the consolidation of international stability and security. JIji Press