President Vo Van Thuong attends ceremony to celebrate 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan

President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse, the Crown Prince Akishino and the Crown Princess at the ceremony.

Attending this solemn event were Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess, Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Nukaga Fukushiro and representatives of leaders of ministries, sectors, localities, friendship organizations and close Japanese friends with Vietnam.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said since the establishment of diplomatic ties five decades ago, the Viet Nam-Japan cooperative and friendly relations have developed strongly, substantively, extensively, with accomplishments in almost all areas thanks to cultural similarities, the convergence of interests, political trust, and especially the relentless efforts of generations of leaders and people of both countries.

He said the Vietnamese community in Japan is growing stronger with over half a million people, making it the second largest foreign community, contributing significantly to Japan's socio-economic development.

For Vietnam, Japan is not only the leading and long-term comprehensive strategic partner but also a sincere and reliable companion, he said, wishing that the two foreign ministries would effectively work together, contributing to concretizing the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

Chairman of the Japan - Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance Nikai Toshihiro expressed that after half a century of establishment of diplomatic relations; along with the tireless efforts of previous generations, up to now, the relationship between Japan and Vietnam has developed very well in all fields.

In that spirit, Mr. Alliance hoped that together with the leaders and people of the two countries, we would continue to contribute our best to the stronger development of Japan - Vietnam friendship in the coming time.

Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko said Việt Nam and Japan not only boost cooperation for peace and stability in the region and the world but also aim to maintain and strengthen the international order that is free, open and based on the rule of law.

Referring to the vision for the next five decades in the bilateral relationship, she highlighted the utmost importance of promoting youth exchanges and cooperation in new areas, particularly in addressing environmental issues, green transformation, digital transformation, and more.

At the event, President Thuong and his spouse, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Nukaga Fukushiro and guests enjoyed the Vietnam-Japan friendship concert which was co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, with performances by artists from the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra and the NHK Symphony Orchestra of Japan, under the direction of conductor Honna Tetsuji.

* On the occasion, a photo exhibition marking the anniversary opened, showcasing historical milestones in diplomatic ties between the two nations.