This is the first ever visit by the imperial couple to Vietnam. It is a visit of great significance and is intended to reinforce trust and friendship between the two nations.
Japan's 125th Emperor Akihito was crowned in 1989. He formally appoints government and judicial officials, and carries out other important duties with the advice and approval of the cabinet. Over the past 28 years, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have paid official visits to 26 countries which have close relationships with Japan.
“This is the first visit of the emperor to Vietnam. It is a historic opportunity for the two peoples to foster understanding and for the two countries to promote their relationship. This visit also means that the emperor and empress highly appreciate and hope to strengthen relations with Vietnam”, Kunio Umedia, the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam said.
Emperor Akihito used to mention Vietnam in his research. In the early 1970s, in his PhD thesis, he found a new white goby species which was living Vietnam's Cần Thơ River. Since he became emperor, he has expressed positive views about Vietnam.
“I had a chance to meet with the emperor and empress last week in the palace. They expressed their anticipation for this visit after 44 years of diplomatic ties between Japan and Vietnam. This visit will mark a milestone in the two countries' relationship”, Nguyen Quoc Cuong who is the Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan said.
The relationship between Japan and Vietnam has developed over the years. Japan is currently the second largest investor in Vietnam, especially in infrastructure, industry and agriculture sectors. Two-way trade turnover reached nearly 30 billion USD last year and is set to double by 2020.
