Before leaving Hanoi, the Emperor and Empress meet with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and his wife at a party house in the capital city. |
The Japanese Imperial Household Agency reports the General Secretary says the Vietnamese people find the visit of the Emperor especially meaningful, considering his age. |
The Emperor and Empress also meet with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang to say farewell. The president gives the couple an album of photos taken during their stay in Hanoi. |
The Emperor expresses gratitude for the gracious hospitality and hopes that the couple's visit contributes to promoting ties of friendship between Japan and Vietnam. |
Later on March 3, Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko are welcomed upon their arrival at the imperial city of Hue. |
The Emperor and Empress will on March 4 visit Hue Palace and the memorial of Phan Boi Chau, the Vietnamese 20th century leader of the independence movement against the French occupation. |
| The Emperor and Empress are scheduled to depart from the imperial city of Hue on March 5 and travel to Thailand. |
