KUALA LUMPUR: Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito will be accorded an official welcome on his first official visit to the country.

Naruhito, 57, is expected to arrive in Malaysia on Thursday for a four-day official visit marking the 60th anniversary of Malaysia-Japan diplomatic ties.

During his time in Malaysia, the Crown Prince is scheduled to have lunch with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and attend a state banquet hosted by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Muhammad V.

He is also scheduled to attend a commemorative tree-planting ceremony at Universiti Malaya and speak to former and prospective overseas students of Japan.

Associated Press reported that Naruhito, the oldest son of Emperor Akihito, said at a rare news conference at his palace that he looks forward to learning from the country’s experience in using its ethnic, religious and cultural diversity as a source for development.-thestar