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Japan's emperor and empress arrive in Belgium for state visit
Euronews.com • • world
Key Points:
- Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan are undertaking a two-day state visit to Belgium on 23-24 June to commemorate 160 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
- The visit emphasizes friendship, cooperation, and the strong ties between the Belgian Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family, highlighting shared values such as support for international law, peace, security, and climate change efforts.
- Economic relations are a key focus, with over 280 Japanese companies operating in Belgium, supporting around 30,000 jobs across various sectors, and Japan being one of Belgium's major trading partners outside the EU.
- The itinerary includes official ceremonies, meetings with Belgian leaders, a state banquet, visits to Namur, the Imec research centre, KU Leuven’s East Asian Library, and cultural sites like the Royal Greenhouses and Japanese Tower.
- The diplomatic relationship between Belgium and Japan dates back to the 1866 Treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, underscoring a long-standing alliance.
