Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan has highlighted Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko as a milestone that contributes to deepening understanding and the bond between both nations’ people during a meeting with the royal couple in Hanoi on September 21 immediately after the welcome ceremony, VOV reported.

During the meeting, Xuan thanked the Imperial House, the Government, and the people of Japan for providing support for Vietnam's national construction and socioeconomic development, as well as for the care they give to nearly 500,000 Vietnamese in Japan.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan (R) hosts Crown Prince Akishino. Photo: VNA

She reiterated the wish to further reinforce the bilateral friendship and cooperation in line with the aspirations and interests of the two nations’ people.

She shared the understanding of the importance of educational, cultural, and local cooperation in promoting exchanges and understanding between the people of both countries, and expressed a hope that Japan will continue supporting Vietnam's socio-economic development, propelling cooperation across the board, and expanding into such new areas as digital transformation, green growth, energy and food security.

Crown Prince Akishino emphasized that Vietnam is a close and reliable partner of Japan while applauding the Vietnamese community’s contributions to Japan’s socio-economic development.

He also said he hopes to see more Japanese people study the Vietnamese language.

More cultural exchange festivals in both nations help their people enhance understanding and close relationships. He reaffirmed his commitment to continue working towards bolstering the friendly cooperation between the two countries in the time to come, he told his host.

Crown Princess Kiko, for her part, wished to boost collaboration and share experience with Vietnam in tuberculosis prevention and control, women's exchanges, education, and health care.

Vice President Xuan used the occasion to convey her regards to Emperor Naruhito and the Empress, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko, and all members of the Japanese royal family.

Following the meeting, the Vice President hosted a banquet in honor of the Japanese royal guests.

President Vo Thi Anh Xuan and the royal couple visit the President Ho Chi Minh relic site. Photo: VNA

On the afternoon of September 21, Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko visited the Temple of Literature - the first university in Vietnam. Accompanying him was the Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen.

Slowly walking along the tree-lined path, the Crown Prince and Crown Princess admired ancient architectural works while listening to the tour guide introduce the history of the monument.

At the Temple of Literature is the first university complex in Vietnam. Source: Vietnamnet

The ceremony marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations in Hanoi. Photo: Quang Phuc

On the same day, a ceremony, co-organized by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO), the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association (VJFA), and the Foreign Ministry, took place in Hanoi to celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (September 21, 1973 - 2023), according to VNA.

The visit by Japan's Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko on this special occasion is a strong affirmation of the tradition of cooperation, sincerity, and mutual trust between the two countries.

The visit is expected to help reinforce and develop the bilateral ties in a deep, strong, efficient, and practical manner for the benefit of both Vietnamese and Japanese people and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

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