TOKYO — A ceremony marking the 45^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Japan was held in Tokyo yesterday.

At the event were President Trần Đại Quang and spouse, Vietnamese high-level officials, Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Foreign Minister Taro Kono, other ministers in the Japanese cabinet and 50 deputies in the National Diet, as well as representatives from the Vietnamese community in Japan.

The attendance of the Japanese Emperor and spouse has showcased Japan’s special appreciation towards the growing partnership for a peaceful and prosperous Asia between the two countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Việt Nam Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Phạm Bình Minh said that on September 21, 1973, the two countries officially marked the beginning of a journey based on trust, mutual respect and shared benefits. The Deputy PM said Việt Nam and Japan were not just strategic partners but also close and understanding friends, which were manifested by consecutive high-level visits made by leaders of the two countries.

The visit by the Emperor Akihito and spouse made to Việt Nam last year left a warm impressions in the minds and hearts of millions of Vietnamese, Deputy PM Minh said.

He believed moving forward, the relationship would continue to ‘blossom.’

For his part, Taro Kano, Japan’s foreign minister stressed that Việt Nam – Japan bilateral relations is at historic high point. The two have committed to deepen co-operation in several areas including political co-operation, security and defence, human resources development, culture and sport, as well as agreed to join hands in addressing regional and international issues.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Vietnamese Government, President Trần Đại Quang awarded friendship medals to several Japanese citizens  who have contributed considerably to the growing ties between the two countries, including Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party and President of Việt Nam – Japan parliamentary friendship alliance Toshihiro Nikai, Chairman of the Policy Research Council of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Fumio Kishida, and Buddhist monk Yoshimizu Daichi. — VNS