Ankara-Tokyo friendship 'bridge to future': Turkish first lady

ISTANBUL

Türkiye's first lady Emine Erdogan Thursday expressed hope for stronger ties between Ankara and Tokyo, emphasizing the enduring friendship and cultural richness.

"I hope the bond between Japan and Türkiye strengthens as a bridge to the future, and I wish for this friendship, enriched with solidarity, understanding, and cultural wealth, to endure forever," the Turkish first lady said on X, following a meeting with Japanese Princess Kiko, the wife of Japan's Crown Prince Fumihito, on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Erdogan and Kiko visited Türkiye's Presidential National Library and its Japan Library section in the capital Ankara.

Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko arrived in Ankara on Tuesday evening, marking the royal couple's first visit to Türkiye and the 100th anniversary of the two nations’ diplomatic relations. They are scheduled to return to Japan on Sunday.

This visit by the Japanese royal couple underscores the two nations’ long-lasting bond and mutual respect, promising to enhance bilateral understanding and cooperation.