HANOI, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are paying a state visit to Vietnam, the first such visit by the Japanese monarch.
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang said at the welcoming ceremony Wednesday the visit is of historic significance in bilateral relations and will help enhance mutual trust and understanding between the two peoples and thus further advance the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership.
Akihito said that historical exchanges have laid an important foundation for the two countries to boost ties for the benefit of the development of each country and bilateral friendship.
The Emperor and Empress also met with Vietnamese National Assembly Chairwomen Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan Wednesday. On Thursday they will also meet with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nguyen Phu Trong.
