Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako have started their three-day state visit to the UK by being welcomed by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The visit began with a ceremony at Horse Guards Parade, where the country’s most prestigious regiments were on display. The Japanese foreign ministry has expressed their hope that the visit would create “friendly relations across generations” between the two nations.
The Emperor’s state visit marks the first by a Japanese head of state since 1998. It is expected that the visit will further strengthen diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the UK and Japan. The Japanese royal couple will be attending a number of engagements during their visit, including a formal banquet at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Prince of Wales.
The ties between the two nations have grown significantly since the UK voted to leave the European Union. Japan has long been seen as a key ally in securing post-Brexit trade deals, with the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement being signed in 2020. The agreement meant that both countries now have preferential access to each other’s markets.
The visit comes as the UK prepares to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, where Japan will be an important participant. The two nations are expected to collaborate on climate change issues and promote clean energy and decarbonisation.
In summary, the visit of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to the UK has started with great pomp and ceremony. The visit is seen as an important opportunity to strengthen the diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the two nations, with a focus on promoting clean energy and decarbonisation ahead of the upcoming COP26 conference in Glasgow
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