TMCnet News
Crown prince, crown princess may visit Mexico for World Water Forum+(Japan Economic Newswire)TOKYO, Dec. 25_(Kyodo) _ Crown Prince Naruhito may visit Mexico together with Crown Princess Masako next March to attend the 4th World Water Forum, sources close to the matter said Saturday. The government is sounding out the trip, which if materialized would mark the first overseas trip for the crown princess in four years. The royal couple last went abroad in 2002, in a visit to New Zealand and Australia. The crown princess, diagnosed in 2004 with an adjustment disorder, has been receiving medical treatment to recover from the stress-induced illness, but has been unable to fully resume official duties. The Imperial Household Agency is considering arranging for the crown prince to stay in Mexico for a week or so. The water forum, slated for March 16-22 in Mexico City, is a triennial international conference to seek ways to solve problems the world faces in connection with water shortages and quality. The crown prince was honorary president of the 3rd World Water Forum held in 2003 in Japan. Speaking about his future official duties at a news conference in February this year, the crown prince said he would put priority on throwing his moral weight behind the international community's efforts to solve environmental issues. Crown Princess Masako's team of doctors said earlier this month it is necessary for her to engage in activities in which she can use her diplomatic experience and knowledge if she is to recover fully. Prior to her marriage in 1993, she was a career diplomat with the Foreign Ministry. In a statement issued prior to her Dec. 9 birthday, she said, "I will try to recuperate physically and mentally so that I can gradually resume my official duties." |