Deputy Prime Minister pays tribute to former Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo

Le conveyed his deepest condolences to Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki and all staff members of the Japanese Embassy over the passing of the former Prime Minister.

In the condolence book, Le shared, the State and people of Viet Nam deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Fukuda Yasuo, a great and close friend of the State and people of Viet Nam.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Viet Nam, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Government and people of Japan and the family of Mr. Fukuda Yasuo", he wrote.

The passing of Fukuda is not only a great loss for Japan but also for the international community, including Viet Nam, he noted, adding that his special support for Viet Nam and its people constitute an invaluable asset to the relations between the two countries.

In particular, during his tenure as Prime Minister, Fukuda welcomed Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet on a state visit to Japan in 2007 and agreed to issue a Joint Statement on further deepening Viet Nam-Japan relations, opening up numerous opportunities and laying a solid foundation for the friendly and cooperative ties between Viet Nam and Japan to enter a new stage of development in the fields of economy, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his appreciation and gratitude for Fukuda's tireless contributions to consolidating and strengthening Viet Nam-Japan relations.

Born in 1936 in Gunma Prefecture, Fukuda served as the Prime Minister of Japan from September 2007-September 2008.

Until his passing, Fukuda remained known for his role as the long-time Supreme Advisor for the multi-year Viet Nam Festival at Yoyogi Park, an event that symbolizes the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" between Viet Nam and Japan.

In recognition of the late Prime Minister's immense contributions, Le expressed his hope that the two governments and peoples would continue along the path so diligently cultivated by Fukuda, further advancing the bilateral relations towards an positive, effective and sustainable manner. /.