Ceremony of 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Japan diplomatic relations held in Ha Noi

25/10/2023 08:13

On the evening of September 21, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam and Japan diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - 2023) was solemnly held in Hanoi by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association (VJFA) and the Foreign Ministry at the International Convention Center.


Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess's visit the photo exhibition about 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations. (Photo by Thuy Nguyen).

Participants at the ceremony were Politburo member, permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat, Chairwoman of the CPV Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Truong Thi Mai; Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Head of the Steering Committee for organizing activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of  Vietnam and Japan  diplomatic relations; Chairman of the Vietnam - Japan Friendship Association To Huy Rua; leaders and representatives from ministries, sectors and localities that have close cooperative relations with Japan.

The ceremony had the presence of Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess's; a delegation from the Japanese Imperial Family; Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio; leaders of Japanese cooperation organizations in Vietnam; leaders of many large enterprises, individuals, and Japanese organizations having significant contributions to promoting economic cooperation, cultural, artistic, and educational exchanges between the two countries.

Addressing the ceremony, Mai underscored the countries’ people-to-people exchange history spanning over 13 centuries and 50 years of cooperation and development. Vietnam and Japan hold a trustworthy and close partnership covering myriad fields from politics, economy, trade, investment to human resources, culture, education, science-technology, and people-to-people and locality-to-locality exchanges, she said.  

Mai also added that the growth of the ties reflects their peoples’ aspiration for peace, development and prosperity of the two countries, contributing to similar progress regionally and globally.

Noting that the 50th anniversary is a favourable point for the sides to look to new future prospects, Mai affirmed despite complex developments and fluctuations in the region and the world, Vietnam always considers Japan an important and long-term partner.


Art performance to celebrate 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Japan diplomatic relations (Photo: Thuy Nguyen).

Also at the ceremony, To Huy Rua affirmed that the presence of the Japanese Crown Prince and Crown Princess's showed the Royal Family's sincere affection and respect for the Vietnam-Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership as well as the leaders of the Japanese Government and people for the country and people of Vietnam.

Japan's Crown Prince Akishino, who is on a visit to Vietnam with his spouse, said there have been lively and dynamic bilateral exchange activities taking place, particularly between Vietnamese and Japanese youth and between their localities.

He commented that the relationship between the two countries has been nurtured by a long history of exchanges dating back more than 1,000 years ago, demonstrated through Vietnamese dance and music in today's Japanese Imperial Court music, or commercial activities between the two countries since the 16th century, the Dong Du movement in the early 20th century...

Crown Prince Akishino affirmed that he would continue to promote the peoples of Vietnam and Japan's growing friendship.

Also at the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador Yamada Takio stressed that the 50th anniversary opens up more opportunities for the Vietnam-Japan relations to grow stronger.

The connection between people and people, “sympathy and connection, resonance between the people of the two countries” is an important factor contributing to building the close friendship relationship between Vietnam and Japan, the Ambassador added.

Participants enjoyed art performances and visited a photo exhibition about Vietnam - Japan relations over the past half century.

Source: Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper - Translated by P.H