Commemorating the 2nd Anniversary of the Upgraded Vietnam-Japan Relations: Recognizing Vietnam's Contributions at EXPO 2025

On the evening of December 10th, in Hanoi, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam held a ceremony to commemorate the second anniversary of the upgrading of Vietnam-Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.

Attending the ceremony were the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, Ito Naoki; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs , Ngo Le Van; the Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), Nguyen Phuong Hoa, along with representatives from the leadership of several ministries, sectors, and localities.

Delegates attending the ceremony

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, Ito Naoki, emphasized the significant importance of the two countries upgrading their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership two years ago. This has opened up great opportunities for the development of Vietnam-Japan relations in the fields of politics , economics, science, culture, sports, tourism, education, and more.

Ambassador Ito Naoki expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for successfully leading and participating with Vietnamese local agencies in the EXPO 2025 Osaka World Exhibition. He stated that the contributions of the Vietnamese pavilion at EXPO 2025 were significant in further strengthening the relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam, Ito Naoki, delivered the opening remarks at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, in recognition of her positive contributions to the EXPO 2025 Osaka, the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam presented a Certificate of Merit to Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the International Cooperation Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), and the General Representative of Vietnam at EXPO 2025.

From April 13th to October 13th, 2025, at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa and the staff of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism demonstrated a proactive, dedicated, and highly responsible spirit in operating the Vietnam Pavilion and organizing Vietnam National Day. These persistent efforts and contributions helped to vividly, attractively, and effectively showcase Vietnamese culture and technological achievements, thereby making a significant contribution to the overall success of EXPO 2025 hosted by Japan.

Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), shared at the ceremony.

In its 8th participation in the World Expo, the Vietnam Pavilion welcomed over 1.7 million direct visitors, attracted 2.2 million attendees to indoor and outdoor events, and garnered over 10 million visits to the Pavilion's social media platforms. Notably, Vietnam National Day (September 9, 2025), with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, Princess Tsuguko of Japan, and Ambassador Ito Naoki, became a significant highlight of Vietnam's journey at Expo 2025.

For the first time in history, the Vietnam Pavilion has had the honor of receiving two prestigious international awards: the Silver Award in the "Best Exhibition Design" category and the Bronze Award in the "Best Team" category.

The Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam presented a Certificate of Merit to Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) and General Representative of Vietnam at EXPO 2025.

On this occasion, in response to the sentiments and effective cooperation of Ambassador Ito Naoki and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam during her participation in EXPO 2025, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa sent Ambassador Ito Naoki a letter of thanks.

Speaking emotionally at the ceremony, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa thanked the Ambassador for awarding the Certificate of Merit, considering it a recognition of the tireless collective efforts of the officials participating in EXPO 2025.

The delegates took a commemorative photo.

Affirming that the achievements of the Vietnam Pavilion at EXPO 2025 were always accompanied by the valuable and responsible support from the Japanese Government, the EXPO 2025 Organizing Committee, the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, and Ambassador Ito Naoki personally, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa emphasized that Vietnam's success at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai is vivid evidence of the deep strategic partnership and strong friendship between Vietnam and Japan. She also expressed confidence that cooperation in culture, sports, and tourism will continue to make even more effective contributions to further developing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world between Vietnam and Japan.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/ky-niem-2-nam-nang-cap-quan-he-viet-nam-nhat-ban-ghi-nhan-dong-gop-cua-viet-nam-tai-expo-2025-20251211085807226.htm