Jakarta: On Monday, Japanese Emperor Naruhito met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the latter's first state visit since assuming the Chrysanthemum Throne four years prior.
After Widodo extended an invitation to the emperor during a visit to Tokyo in July of last year, Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived on Saturday for a weeklong stay in Southeast Asia's largest economy.
At the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java, the royal couple was greeted by Widodo and the first lady Iriana, as well as greeters dressed in traditional Indonesian attire and a military band playing both national anthems.
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During a joint press conference, Widodo said, "I feel very, very honoured because Indonesia is the first destination for the Japanese emperor's bilateral state visit abroad."
According to Widodo, Naruhito's visit "further strengthened" the bonds of friendship between their two nations.
"Such a solid foundation is required to develop the two countries' strategic partnership in the future, particularly in the economic field."
Naruhito's visit coincides with this year's 65th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Japan and Indonesia.
In 2023, the country of East Asia will also commemorate 50 years of cordial relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose chair is being held this year by Indonesia.
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The visit, according to Emperor Naruhito, gave him the chance to reflect on Indonesia's history and the people who contributed to the development of cordial bilateral relations while also deepening his understanding of the country's diverse culture and society.
And we sincerely hope that younger people from our respective counties will communicate with one another, strengthening our friendship," Naruhito said.
The Japanese royals visited the Bogor Botanical Garden's Orchid House and planted eaglewood trees while at Bogor Palace.
On his trip, Naruhito has already seen a number of places in Jakarta, including the South Jakarta MRT station. With Japan's assistance, the Jakarta MRT was planned, built, and financed with a loan from the Japanese government. It started operating in 2019.
On Wednesday, the Japanese delegation will fly to Yogyakarta before stopping by the nearby Borobudur temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in the entire world.
The previous "difficult time" with Indonesia was acknowledged by Naruhito, the first emperor of Japan to be born after the Second World War, at a press conference last week in advance of his visit.
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The former Dutch colony of Indonesia, also known as the Dutch East Indies, was occupied by Japan from 1942 until Tokyo's surrender in August 1945, shortly after which the Southeast Asian nation proclaimed its independence.
According to Naruhito, "our relations with Indonesia went through a difficult period." "I think it's important to remember those who died, to understand history better, and to foster a love of peace," the speaker said.