(VOVworld) – Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have concluded their first State-level visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang. During their stay from Tuesday to Sunday, the royal couple met and attended a State banquet hosted by President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse. They also met Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Japanese Emperor and Empress (C) visited the former imperial city of Hue on March 4 (Photo: Le Huy Hoang Hai/VOV)

During the meetings, both sides described the visit as of historical significance in Vietnam-Japan relations, saying it will help boost mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples and develop the extensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Both sides agreed that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is at its historical best and stressed the importance of the celebrations of the 45^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties in 2018.