Mr. and Mrs. Akishino, who are on an official visit to Vietnam from the 20th, attended a welcome event in the capital Hanoi.
On the morning of the 21st local time, Prince Akishino and his wife visited Ho Chi Minh City, the leader of the independence movement known as the "Founding Father of Vietnam," and laid a wreath in front of the spiritual bottle where Ho Chi Minh's body was laid to rest in the strong sun.
The couple moved to the front yard of the Presidential Palace, where they were greeted by Vice President Xuan, and received a bouquet of flowers as Vietnamese children carrying flags of both countries welcomed them.
At the meeting that followed, Vice President Xuan said, "I hope that this visit will be fruitful and contribute to the friendly relations between Viet Nam and Japan," and Prince Akishino said, "I am deeply grateful for your invitation."
The couple then attended a welcome luncheon at the State Guest House.
On the 21st, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, Prince Akishino, who gave a greeting following the Vice President of China, said, "This visit will be an opportunity to reflect on the history of exchanges between Vietnam and the Japan that our predecessors have built, meet with people who will lead the next 50 years, and deepen our understanding of bilateral relations." It was stated.
Mr. and Mrs. Akishino will attend a ceremony commemorating the 21th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on the evening of the 50st.