I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will pay a State Visit to India.

Japan has long enjoyed close and cordial relations with India. The Government of India has long extended its invitation for Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress to visit India, and recently, the Government of India has kindly renewed its invitation. Japan and India commemorated the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year and the relationship has been further advanced in wide-ranging areas in recent years.

I am convinced that, through the visit, existing intimate relations of friendship and goodwill with India will be further strengthened, for which I would like to share my immense pleasure with the people of Japan.

I would like to express my wholehearted wish for Their Majesties' pleasant journey and safe return home.