At a Tuesday evening banquet in Brussels hosted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Emperor Naruhito expressed his hopes for a strong and enduring friendship between Japan and Belgium. The event took place as the two nations celebrate 160 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.
Speaking in the presence of the Belgian royal family, the Emperor underscored the importance of maintaining and promoting friendly ties between the two countries, while expressing his hope that this cooperation will continue to grow in the future.
This marks Emperor Naruhito’s first official visit to Belgium since his ascension to the throne. The visit is part of broader efforts to enhance cultural and economic exchanges between the two nations, especially given their numerous cooperation agreements in fields such as technology, trade, and education.
King Philippe also offered warm remarks on the bilateral relationship, highlighting the contributions of the Japanese community in Belgium and the close collaboration between businesses of both countries. Both sides agreed that the past 160 years provide a solid foundation for building a future of long-term partnership.
Beyond diplomatic engagements, the Emperor and Empress plan to tour several cultural and historical landmarks in Belgium, aiming to foster mutual understanding between the peoples of the two nations.
