President meets with Emperor of Japan

On behalf of the State and the people of Viet Nam, President Vo expressed gratitude to the Emperor, Empress, and other members of the Japanese Royal Family for their affection to the people of Viet Nam and the friendly cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan over the years.

The royal couple said that they were pleased to welcome President Vo and his spouse to Japan on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic ties.

They were convinced that cultural exchange activities and people-to-people exchanges, which have been organized in various localities of both countries in 2023 would help enhance mutual understanding between the nations, significantly contributing to promoting people-to-people exchanges and the friendly relations between Viet Nam and Japan.

President Vo said that the historical visits to Viet Nam by the Emperor and Empress in 2017, as well as the official visit to Viet Nam by the Emperor in 2009 as Crown Prince, and the recent visit in September by Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, have left a positive impressions on the leadership and people of Viet Nam.

These visits have contributed to deepening mutual trust and understanding between the people of the two countries, and to elevating the Viet Nam-Japan relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.

The same day, President Vo Van Thuong and his spouse attended a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic relations.

At the event, President Vo and his spouse, Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Nukaga Fukushiro and guests enjoyed the Viet Nam-Japan friendship concert 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.

A photo exhibition marking the anniversary opened, showcasing historical milestones in diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said since the establishment of the 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.

Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko said Viet 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 expanding cooperation to new fronts, particularly in addressing environmental issues, green transformation, digital transformation, and more./.