Speaking at the event, permanent Vice Chairman of themunicipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said that since the establishment ofbilateral diplomatic ties in 1973, Vietnam and Japan lifted their ties to a trustedand long-term stable partnership in 2002, strategic partnership in 2009, and extensivestrategic partnership for the peace and prosperity of Asia in March 2014.
Liem said Ho Chi Minh City considers Japan not only animportant strategic partner, but also a sincere and trusted friend.
He thanked the Japanese Government and people for providingeffective support to the city’s development projects – such as the Vo Van Kiethighway, the metro line No.1, and water environment improvement – makingimportant contributions to its socio-economic development in years past.
In the near future, the city will work closely with Japan tolaunch initiatives and increase dialogues towards promoting mutualunderstanding and developing bilateral ties.
Japanese Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Kawaue Junichi describedthe extensive partnership between the city and Japan as a symbol of Vietnam-Japanties with diverse cooperation programmes.
He expressed his wishes for further support from themunicipal authorities to further foster bilateral links.
On the occasion, the Japanese official presentedcertificates of merit to Chairman of the municipal Vietnam-Japan FriendshipAssociation Nguyen Cong Tanh and Rector of Dong Du Japanese Language Centre NguyenDuc Hoe in honour of their dedication to the Vietnam-Japan ties. –VNA