ISTANBUL 

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Sunday arrived in Mongolia on a weeklong visit, during which he is scheduled to honor thousands of Japanese prisoners held in the country after World War II.

A statement by the Mongolian presidency confirmed Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako arrived at Chinggis Khaan International Airport near the country’s capital Ulaanbaatar, where they were welcomed by officials, including Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh.

Noting that the visit, set to end on June 13, is taking place at the invitation of President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the statement said the two leaders will discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties.

It further said that the couple, as guests of honor, will also attend the opening ceremony of the Naadam Festival, a traditional Mongolian festival focusing on horseracing, wrestling and archery.

The statement added that the visit marks Naruhito’s first since assuming the throne in 2019, with his last visit to Japan having taken place in 2007, when he was crown prince, to mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Japanese-Mongolian relations.

On Wednesday, Naruhito said during a press conference that he will also be laying flowers at a memorial dedicated to Japanese prisoners who were captured by the Soviet Union and then sent to Mongolia after World War II.