|
Arriving on an eight-day state
visit to Mongolia today, Japan's Crown Prince Naruhito met with Mongolian
President Nambaryn Enkhbayar in Ulaanbaatar.
President Enkhbayar hosted
a banquet for Prince Naruhito following welcoming ceremonies. In a prepared
speech, Prince Naruhito noted how fully bilateral relations between
the two countries have matured in recent years.
On a lighter note, the Prince
mentioned the success achieved by two Mongolian wrestlers who have attained
the highest title in Japanese sumo competitions.
"The two yokozuna (grand
champions) are both Mongolians, and many Japanese people have come to
feel close to your country," he said. Prior to giving a toast in
Mongolian, the Prince commented on the popularity of the two Mongolian
grand champions - Hakuho and Asashoryu - in Japan.
Upon his arrival, a welcoming
ceremony was held at Sukhbaatar Square next to the government building.
Prince Naruhito bowed before statues of Ghengis Khan and placed flowers
at the statue of Damdin Sukhbaatar, the leader of the 1921 revolution
which brought independence to Mongolia.
Later, Prince Naruhito and
President Enkhbayar met inside a yurt where Naruhito conveyed a message
from Japanese Emperor Akihito. In the message, the emperor “recalled
with fondness” having met President Enkhbayar in February.
On Wednesday, the Crown Prince
will attend the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam festival. He will
also visit a monument to Japanese soldiers who died in Mongolia while
imprisoned in work camps following World War II.
The visit of the Crown Prince
is to commemorate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between Japan and Mongolia.
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
