BRUSSELS - Japan's Emperor Naruhito expressed hope for lasting friendship between Japan and Belgium at a banquet in Brussels on Tuesday hosted by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, as this year marks the 160th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations.
"As longstanding and irreplaceable friends, I pray for enduring friendship between our two countries and for the happiness of our peoples," the emperor said in Japanese during a speech at the dinner, which he attended with Empress Masako at the Castle of Laeken.
He recalled ties between the two royal families dating back to a 1921 visit by his grandfather, Emperor Hirohito, who was then crown prince.
"I am pleased that we are able to add a new page to the history of our exchanges," Emperor Naruhito said.
The emperor noted that Belgium has become an important European hub for many Japanese companies and said relations between the two countries are growing increasingly close. He also welcomed cooperation in emerging fields, including semiconductors.
Touching upon the ongoing World Cup football tournament, Emperor Naruhito expressed his wishes for the success of both nations' teams.
In remarks ahead of the emperor's speech, King Philippe greeted the imperial couple by saying "Welcome to Belgium" in Japanese before continuing his speech in French and Dutch.
The king described Japan as one of Belgium's closest partners in the world and said the imperial couple's visit would provide strong encouragement for the two countries to further deepen and develop their ties.
The royal couple's four children, including 24-year-old Princess Elisabeth -- their eldest child and heir apparent to the Belgian throne -- also attended. It was the first time all four had taken part in a banquet for state guests, according to Japan's Imperial Household Agency.
