First Lady Emine Erdoğan welcomes Princess Akiko of Japan at an official gathering
In a significant visit to Turkey, Princess Akiko of Mikasa participated in a series of programs, marking a step forward in strengthening the friendship between Turkey and Japan.
During her stay in Ankara, Princess Akiko was warmly received by President Erdogan and his wife, Emine Erdogan, at the presidential state guesthouse. The discussions between the two leaders covered topics of mutual interest, including environmental protection, the preservation of cultural heritage, and gastronomy.
Princess Akiko acknowledged the importance of the ongoing archaeological excavations in Turkey, viewing them as an essential element of cultural heritage exchange between the two nations. She expressed her consideration for the current excavations at the Ayanlar Ruins in Sanliurfa, which are being led by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey. The upcoming archaeological excavations at Ayanlar Ruins are believed to further strengthen cultural ties between Turkey and Japan.
Erdogan emphasised the significant value of these archaeological excavations, highlighting the collaboration between the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry and the Japanese Institute of Anatolian Archaeology. He expressed gratitude for the excavation work and the contributions made by Princess Akiko and Japan towards the preservation of Turkey's rich historical legacy.
The Princess, in turn, stated that both Turkey and Japan share a legacy of great historical civilizations. She wore a brooch crafted with the traditional Turkish filigree technique and nail polish featuring the flags of Turkey and Japan, symbolising her appreciation for Turkish culture.
Princess Akiko also visited Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the Turkish republic's founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and The Golden Age of Archaeology exhibition in the capital. Her visit to these historic sites underscored the importance of cultural exchange and the shared appreciation for history between the two nations.
Erdogan discussed future steps to strengthen the friendship between Turkey and Japan, with both parties expressing optimism for continued collaboration in various fields, including archaeology, environmental conservation, and cultural exchange.
