Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Visit Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand
January 27, 2006
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Singapore has, taking account of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in the year 2006, extended an invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to visit his country. Through a letter of His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Government of Thailand has asked the presence of Their Majesties at the 60th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the King of Thailand.
In view of the friendly relations existing between Japan and these two countries, the Government of Japan has advised Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to pay state visits, and Their Majesties have accepted the invitations.
In addition to these two countries, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will also officially visit Malaysia. The Emperor and Empress last undertook a state visit to Malaysia in 1991.
The itinerary of the visits will be finalized after consultations with the Governments of those countries. Their Majesties are scheduled to leave Tokyo on June 8, 2006, and the duration of the visit will be about a week.
Statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi On Their Majesties' Visit to Asian Countries
January 27, 2006
I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress will pay a state visit to the Republic of Singapore and to the Kingdom of Thailand. In addition to these countries, Their Majesties will also officially visit Malaysia.
Japan has enjoyed longtime intimate friendly relations with these countries. The Republic of Singapore has requested Their Majesties' State Visit for some time. This year is a memorable year for Japan and Singapore, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Kingdom of Thailand, based upon the long-established close relationship between the Imperial Family and the Thai Royal Family, has requested the presence of Their Majesties at this year's Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the King Bhumibol.
Their Majesties have also been invited to Malaysia by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin who visited Japan last year as a State Guest.
I am confident that the visit will further strengthen Japan's cordial relations with these counties and I join the nation in sharing the delight.
I would like to express my sincere hope for Their Majesties' pleasant journey and safe return home.
Release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan