TOKYO, Japan, Oct 23, 2019 (BSS) – President M Abdul Hamid has invited
Japanese new Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Bangladesh on the
occasion of 50-year of Japan-Bangladesh Relationship, scheduled to be
celebrated in 2022.
The head of the state verbally gave the invitation to them during the
post-enthronement ceremony banquet, hosted by the emperor and his empress at
the Imperial Palace in Japan’s capital last night, President’s press
secretary Md Joynal Abedin told BSS.
Emperor Naruhito and his wife hosted a palace banquet for some 400 guests,
including the heads of the government, heads of state and dignitaries
following his enthronement ceremony.
Japanese new emperor formally declared his ascension as Japan’s 126th
monarch in front of about 2,000 leaders and representatives from 174
countries and regions at the Imperial Palace here yesterday afternoon.
59-year-old Emperor Naruhito ascended the chrysanthemum throne on May 1,
following the abdication of his 85-year-old father Emperor Emeritus Akihito.
During the palace banquet, Naruhito wore into a formal tailcoat decorated
with medals, while Masako wore a long white dress and a tiara.
They greeted their guests before they started a seated dinner of Japanese
cuisine.
The President exchanged greetings with the emperor and empress and invited
them to visit Bangladesh as the country is going to celebrate the 50-year of
Japan-Bangladesh Friendships in 2022, the press secretary said.
Japan and Bangladesh have maintained friendly relations since February
10th, 1972, through economic and technical cooperation, cultural exchanges
and mutual visits.
Japan is a major development partner for Bangladesh, extending support to
the efforts of Bangladesh for its economic and social development.
The President also wished for their long life with sound health of the
Emperor and empress, he added.
President’s spouse Rashida Khanam accompanied him in the dinner.