Hanoi (VNA) – The Japanese Embassy in Vietnam held a reception onFebruary 23 to celebrate the 64th birthday of Japanese EmperorNaruhito.

The event saw the attendance of Politburo member,Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariatand head of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission Truong Thi Mai, DeputyPrime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, representativesfrom ministries, sectors and international organisations in Vietnam, andJapanese citizens in Hanoi.

Delivering a message of congratulations at the ceremony, Mai, who is also Chairwoman ofthe Vietnam – Japan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, congratulated the Japanese people on theimportant achievements that they have attained over the pastyears, making Japan a leading developed country in the world.

She expressed her delight over the strong and comprehensive development of thefriendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan for years, and highlighted the celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic relations with various activities, and particularly the upgrade of theirrelations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity inAsia and the world in 2023.

She said she believesthat with efforts and resolve from the two countries, together with the supportof the Japanese Emperor and royal family, the Vietnam – Japan ComprehensiveStrategic Partnership will further develop in a morepractical and effective fashion to meet the interest and development in eachcountry, and for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

Foreign Minister Son stressed that the Vietnam – Japan relations, which have unceasinglydeveloped, have become a bright spot in the international relations amidstrapid and complicated developments in the region and the world.

Given the trong political trust, cultural similarities and historical connections of the two countries,Son believed that the Vietnam – Japan friendship and cooperative ties haveentered a new chapter with boundless potential for development.

Leaders and people of both nations are determined to bolster cooperation intraditional areas of economy, politics, culture, education-training, labour,people-to-people exchange, and expand collaboration in new fields such asemission reduction, semiconductor development, clean energy and digitaltransformation, he said, adding both nations will also strengthen cooperationat international forums, organisations and mechanisms to which they aremembers.

Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio said that the Vietnam –Japan relations are in their best shape in history, with the strong bonds notonly bringing about political and economic benefits but also basing on their mutual understandingand sympathy.

He said that the bilateral cooperative relations will experience significantprogress in 2024, matching the Vietnam – Japan Comprehensive StrategicPartnership.

The ambassador cited a recent survey from the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) that showedVietnam is the second favourite destination for Japanese firms, following theUS, adding nearly 60% of the surveyed enterprises have intended toexpand operation in the Southeast Asian country.

On the occasion, the Japanese Embassy presented the Order of the Rising Sun,Gold and Silver Star to former Vietnamese Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung./.