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Macron to host Japan’s crown prince in Versailles
PARIS, Sept 6, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron will
host Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito next Wednesday as part of a week-long
state visit by the emperor-in-waiting to mark 160 years of diplomatic
relations between the two nations.
Naruhito’s trip, which begins Friday in the southeastern city of Lyon,
is part of “Japonismes 2018”, a year-long cultural offensive in France aimed
at highlighting the vibrancy of the country’s cultural heritage.
Performances and a dinner will be held for the two leaders at
Versailles, the ornate former royal residence outside Paris, though no public
addresses are expected, an official from the French presidency said.
Naruhito, 58, is the eldest son of Emperor Akihito, who is expected to
be the first Japanese emperor to retire when he steps down in April next
year.
His son will ascend to the Chrysanthemum Throne a day later.
BSS/AFP/IJ/1729 hrs