Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko attended a ceremony to celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkey.

The event took place in Istanbul on December 5.

S/ Crown Prince Fumihito of Akishino / Japan and Turkey have not only engaged in general exchanges but have also built a history of helping each other in difficult times, as in the Turkish proverb of a friend in rainy weather. I hope that occurrences that symbolize the bond between the two countries will continue to be told over the next 100 years.

His speech was followed by a performance combining Turkish folk dance and Japanese taiko drums.

Fumihito praised the performers for their collaborative act.

Earlier in the day, the Japanese imperial couple visited the Topkapi Palace where they saw the Golden Cradle, a treasure of the Ottoman Empire.

The crown prince expressed appreciation that the item was put on special exhibit in Japan 17 years ago to celebrate the birth of his son Prince Hisahito.