During a meeting following the ceremony, President Tran Dai Quang and his wife warmly welcomed the Emperor and Empress on their first ever State visit to Vietnam, describing the visit as a historical event in the history of Vietnam-Japan relations.

They expressed their belief that the visit will contribute to consolidating mutual trust and understanding between the two people as well as their sentiments towards each other, thus further expanding the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan. 

The Vietnamese State leader thanked the warm sentiments that the Japanese Emperor and Empress, the Royal Family as well as the Japanese Government and people have given to Vietnam over the past years.

Both sides reviewed the bilateral long-standing relations. They expressed pleasure at the rapid and sound progresses in Vietnam-Japan ties during the past more than four decades, while sharing the common hope of further bolstering the friendship and cooperation between the two countries in the future.

Emperor Akihito affirmed that the historical exchange provided an important foundation for the two sides to boost their partnership for the respective development as well as the growth of the Vietnam-Japan friendship.

At the meeting, President Quang and his spouse introduced the Japanese guests to the diversity and unique identity of the Vietnamese culture, which had absorbed world cultural quintessence.

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.

Emperor Akihito, who has long shown his warm sentiments towards Vietnam, has been supporting Royal Family members to strengthen exchanges with Vietnam.
Vietnam and Japan have enjoyed the best friendship ever and they have built political trust and stepped up cooperation at regional and international forums. 
The same day, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko laid a wreath and paid homage to late President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi.

Source: vov.vn