President Vo Van Thuong meets with the Emperor and Empress of Japan

Updated date: 11/28/2023 17:08:54

On November 28, within the framework of his official visit to Japan, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo,President Vo Van Thuong and his wife met with Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress.

President Vo Van Thuong meets with Japanese Emperor Naruhito (Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA)

In a friendly atmosphere, both sides highly appreciated and expressed their joy at the good and comprehensive development of the Vietnam - Japan relationship and the increasingly close relationship between the people of the two countries. President Vo Van Thuong and his wife also expressed their emotion and gratitude for the solemn and warm welcome of the King, Queen and Government of Japan for the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation during their official visit to Japan this time.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress expressed their delight at welcoming the President and his wife on an official visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations; and thanked the State and People of Vietnam for the solemn welcome and warm affection that the State and People of Vietnam gave to Crown Prince Akishino and the Princess during their official visit to Vietnam last September.

Emperor Naruhito believes that historical connections and exchanges, and similarities in cultural and human factors are among the fundamental factors for developing the deep and closely-knit Vietnam-Japan relationship in many areas as it is today. The Emperor and Empress expressed their belief that cultural and people-to-people exchange activities held in many localities of the two countries in 2023 - the year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries - will enhance understanding between the people of the two countries, making an important contribution to promoting people-to-people exchanges and the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

On behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, President Vo Van Thuong expressed his gratitude for the good feelings and deep concern that the King, Queen, and members of the Japanese Royal Family have shown to the Vietnamese people and the Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation over the past many years.

President Vo Van Thuong and his wife Phan Thi Thanh Tam met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan (Photo: Thong Nhat-VNA)

President Vo Van Thuong expressed his good impressions of the country and people of Japan and shared profound memories of his previous visits to Japan in different positions.

The President said that there are many fundamental factors between the two countries, cultural similarities, close personalities, the natural affection of the people of the two countries for each other, sharing many common values and interests, and the consensus of the leaders and people of the two countries, creating a solid foundation for the development of the Vietnam - Japan friendly and cooperative relationship.

The President affirmed that the historic visits to Vietnam by the Emperor and Empress Dowager in 2017 as the Emperor and Empress of Japan and the official visit to Vietnam by the Emperor in 2009 as the Crown Prince, as well as the visit last September by Crown Prince Akishino and the Princess, have left a good impression on the Vietnamese leaders and people, contributing to deepening trust and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries and bringing the Vietnam-Japan relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.

Mrs. Phan Thi Thanh Tam - Wife of President Vo Van Thuong meets with Japanese Queen Masako (Photo: Thong Nhat - VNA)