Japan's New Emperor Praises Japanese-US Ties At Court Banquet With Trump

Japan's New Emperor Praises Japanese-US Ties at Court Banquet With Trump

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th May, 2019) Japan's new Emperor Naruhito praised on Monday the Asian nation's cooperation with the United States, expressing his hope for further deepening of bilateral ties.

On Saturday, US President Donald Trump began his four-day state visit to Japan. He met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at a special welcome ceremony inside the Imperial Palace earlier on Monday.

"I am delighted that the relationship between the two countries in recent years has not been limited only to politics and economy, but has been deepening in a wide range of areas such as art, culture, sports and cutting-edge technology," Emperor Naruhito said at a court banquet attended by Trump and the First Lady, as quoted by the NHK broadcaster.

The monarch also expressed his hope for further strengthening of the bilateral ties between the two nations.

"While always bearing in mind that the Japan-US relationship today is built on the sacrifices and dedicated efforts of many people, I sincerely hope that the people of both countries will continue to expand their cooperation, further deepen our unwavering bond, and contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world toward the future full of hope," Emperor Naruhito stressed.

A full course of French cuisine, including sole meuniere and beef steak, was served, and songs related to America were played between the meals, the broadcaster reported.

According to the Sankei newspaper, Trump presented a viola to Emperor Naruhito and received blue ceramics as a gift from the Japanese monarch. Trump's wife Melania was reportedly presented with a gold-encrusted wooden box, and Empress Masako received a pen made of a tree growing in the courtyard of Harvard University, which is the empresses' alma mater.