Representatives of the Japanese imperial family, Prince and Princess Akishino, paid an official visit to Slovakia on Sunday. President Ivan Gašparovič invited the royal couple to mark 20 years of diplomatic ties between Slovakia and Japan.
"The visit confirms the friendly relations that exist between our countries and contributes toward a deepening of mutual understanding between Slovakia and Japan, mutual inspiration and spiritual enrichment," said President's spokesman Marek Trubač adding that Slovakia sees Japan as one of the most important countries in Asia. During their stay, the couple accompanied by Bratislava Mayor Milan Ftáčnik visited the Devín castle where they laid a wreath at the Gate of Freedom memorial dedicated to victims of totalitarian regimes.
