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Thursday June 8, 10:17 PMJapan's Emperor Akihito, Empress Michiko arrive for three-day visitSINGAPORE : Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have arrived in Singapore for a three-day state visit.They are here at the invitation of President S R Nathan. After they landed in Singapore, the first stop for the royal couple was the Japanese Gardens. This place holds fond memories for the Emperor and Empress because they planted two trees there when they first visited Singapore in 1970. These two trees are known as King Sago Palms. Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko had visited Singapore a second time in 1981, when they were the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. For the first time, the two are visiting Singapore as the Emperor and Empress of Japan. They are accompanied by more than 20 officials, including the Japan's former foreign minister, Yoriko Kawaguchi. During their stay, President Nathan will host a state banquet for the Emperor and Empress. The royal couple will also meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. On day two, they will visit the National Library to view some rare collections related to Singapore and Southeast Asia, such as a letter written by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. Japan was Singapore's sixth largest trading partner last year, and Singapore's total bilateral trade with Japan stood at over $52 billion last year. - CNA /ct |
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