Japanese media highlights welcome ceremony for Vietnamese President

According to the NHK public broadcasting organisation, President Quang and his wife were warmly welcomed by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. President Quang then reviewed the honour guard of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force.

Some 140 Japanese students waved flags to welcome the President and his wife.

Afterwards, President Quang met with the Emperor and Empress, during which he highlighted their first-ever historical visit to Vietnam in 2017.

The Emperor recalled the warm sentiments of Vietnamese people towards the Japanese royal couple.

President Quang said many Vietnamese are learning and working in Japan, serving as a bridge to strengthen the relations between the two countries, he added.

The same day evening, President Quang and his spouse attended a state dinner chaired by the Emperor at the Imperial Palace.

Meanwhile, Japanese Asahi newspaper devoted its front page to the ceremony for the Vietnamese leader.

The state banquet drew 150 officials, including imperial members and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The Emperor said he was touched by the warm welcome of Vietnamese people during his visit to the country in 2017.

He said many Vietnamese working in nursing and community health care have supported elderly people in Japan.

He wished the relations between Vietnam and Japan will thrive in the future.

Yomiuri newspaper said at the state dinner, President Quang described the historical visit to Vietnam by the Japanese Emperor and Empress in 2017 as a foundation to boost the friendship between the two nations.

Sankei newspaper also covered the event, citing Emperor Akihito as saying nearly one million Vietnamese and Japanese tourists travelled between the two countries in 2017.

On June 1, the Emperor will attend a ceremony marking the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties.

On June 2, the Emperor and Empress will bid farewell to President Quang and his wife.