Efforts for friendly cooperation between the two countries

On the morning of September 21, at the Presidential Palace, on behalf of the State and people of Vietnam, VicePresident Vo Thi Anh Xuan presided over the welcoming ceremony for Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Princess on an official visit to Vietnam.

Sáng ngày 21/9, tại Phủ Chủ tịch, Phó Chủ tịch nước Võ Thị Ánh Xuân đã chủ trì lễ đón Hoàng Thái tử Nhật Bản Akishino và Công nương Kiko thăm chính thức Việt Nam theo lời mời của Nhà nước Cộng hòa xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam. (Ảnh: Anh Sơn)

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan presided over the welcoming ceremony for Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko on an official visit to Vietnam. (Photo: Anh Son)

In an atmosphere of friendship, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan expressed her delight at welcoming the Japanese Crown Prince and Crown Princess on an official visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - September 21, 2023).

The Vice President sincerely thanked the Japanese Royal Family as well as the Crown Prince and Princess for their attention and affection for the country and people of Vietnam in recent times; affirming that the relationship between the two countries has never been as good as it is now.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan expressed her belief that the visit of the Crown Prince and Princess will be an important milestone, contributing to enhancing understanding and affection between the people of the two countries, thereby further developing the Vietnam-Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership to new heights in the coming time.

The two sides reviewed the history of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries dating back to the 8th century through trade activities in the 16th and 17th centuries and the relationships and friendship between the two countries; expressed satisfaction and joy at the strong development of the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Japan over the past 50 years in the fields of politics , economics, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan emphasized that the Vietnamese and Japanese peoples are close in culture and customs, and share many common values and concerns; she highly appreciated and thanked the great attention, support and assistance of the Royal Family, Government and people of Japan for the cause of national construction and socio-economic development of the Vietnamese people as well as the attention given to the community of nearly 500,000 Vietnamese people in Japan.

After the welcoming ceremony, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan had a meeting with the Japanese Crown Prince and Princess. (Photo: Anh Son)

The Vice President affirmed his wish to further develop the friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in accordance with the aspirations and interests of the people of the two countries. He also shared a common understanding of the importance of educational, cultural and local cooperation in promoting exchanges and understanding between the people of the two countries, thereby contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

The Vice President expressed his hope that Japan would continue to support Vietnam's socio-economic development, promote cooperation in all fields and expand to new areas such as digital transformation, green growth, ensuring energy and food security, etc.

Crown Prince Akishino expressed his joy to visit Vietnam with the Princess again after more than 20 years; thanked the Vietnamese leaders and people for their warm and respectful welcome; and emphasized that Vietnam is a close, trustworthy and companion partner of Japan.

Historical exchanges and understanding between the two peoples are important foundations for the two countries to continue promoting cooperation, bringing Vietnam-Japan relations to new heights.

The Crown Prince was pleased with the remarkable development and achievements Vietnam has made in the cause of national construction and development in recent times; highly appreciated the contributions of the Vietnamese community in Japan to the socio-economic development of Japan; and wished that more Japanese people would study and learn Vietnamese.

The Crown Prince said that the cultural exchange festivals between the two countries are being increasingly expanded and will be an opportunity for the people of the two countries to enhance understanding and close relations; he affirmed that he will continue to make efforts for the friendly cooperation between the two countries in the coming time.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Crown Prince Akishino and Princess take a walk on Mango Street in the Presidential Palace. (Photo: Anh Son)

Princess Kiko said she wanted to promote cooperation and share experiences with Vietnam on tuberculosis prevention, women's exchange, and was interested in educational and medical cooperation between the two countries.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan wished the Crown Prince and Princess a successful visit, through which they could feel the friendship and solidarity between the people of the two countries and better understand the country and people of Vietnam.

Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan also respectfully asked the Crown Prince to convey her regards and best wishes to Emperor Naruhito and the Empress, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and the Empress Dowager, and members of the Japanese Royal Family.

After the meeting, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, together with the Crown Prince and Princess, visited Uncle Ho's Stilt House. Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan also hosted a solemn reception to welcome Crown Prince Akishino and the Princess and the Japanese Imperial Palace delegation.