Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are paying a State visit to Viet Nam from February 28 to March 5.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Ha Noi on February 28 afternoon (Photo: VNA)

The visit, made at the invitation of President Tran Dai Quang and his spouse, is the first-ever trip to Viet Nam by a Japanese Emperor and Empress.

Japan’s Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are welcomed at the airport (Photo: VNA)

Akihito came to the throne on January 7, 1989, and is the 125^th emperor of Japan.

Viet Nam and Japan established diplomatic relations in September 1973 and elevated their ties to the extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia in March 2014.

Viet Nam's Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (R) welcomes the Japanese Emperor and Empress at the airport (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Nguyen Quoc Cuong said the visit will be an important landmark in Vietnamese-Japanese relations. It is a manifestation of the development of bilateral ties and will bring the relationship to new heights.

(Source: VNA)