Japan Crown Prince Naruhito celebrates Malaysia-Japan 60-year ties with dignitaries
NST
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito concluded the second day of his official visit to Malaysia on a high note with a cocktail reception to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.
The event held at St. Regis Hotel here saw the Crown Prince all smiles, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with local and foreign dignitaries.
Accompanying him was Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Makio Miyagawa who raised a toast to the success of the Crown Prince’s visit and the “ever growing friendship and goodwill between Malaysia and Japan”.
“The diplomatic relationship was established 60 years ago on the very same day the Federation of Malaya declared its independence.
“What decorated the night sky of Kuala Lumpur was a large display of fireworks our government offered as a gift of celebration – the photograph of which, I found, is exhibited at the National Museum here,” he shared with the audience.
The audience were also feted to music and choral speaking performances by local students.
Also present was Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Razali Ibrahim who is the minister-in-attendance.
Crown Prince Naruhito who is the eldest son of Emperor Akihito will begin his third day tomorrow by visiting the Japanese School of Kuala Lumpur (JSKL).
He is then slated to attend a luncheon with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya before visiting the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART Tunnel) Control Centre.
Later in the evening, Naruhito is expected to grant an audience to the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) and Japanese residents in Malaysia at the official residence of the Ambassador of Japan.
