Emperor Akihito, who is on a state visit to Vietnam with Empress Michiko, said Wednesday in Hanoi he hopes the couple's trip will help deepen understanding and reinforce ties between Japan and the Southeast Asian nation.
The Emperor said in his speech at a banquet sponsored by President Tran Dai Quang, "It is my sincere hope that our visit will contribute to further deepening our mutual understanding and strengthening the ties of friendly relations between the people of Vietnam and the people of Japan."
The Emperor and Empress arrived Tuesday on their first trip to Vietnam where they hope to promote goodwill.