Message from the Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to Japan

Dear Readers,

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to ASEAN-Japan Centre for giving me the chance to deliver a message on this website. As all of you may have known, Vietnam and Japan have had the connection with each other for a long time. In Hoi An city, located in the center part of Vietnam, there is a very famous Japanese Bridge, which was built in 1593 by Japanese merchants. Now, the friendly relation between Vietnam and Japan has developed into a new height with many mutual visits of high level leaders. It was a great honor for us that His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito paid an official visit to Vietnam from 9 ? 15 of February 2009. In April 2009, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nong Duc Manh, made an official visit to Japan, on this occasion, H.E. Mr. Nong Duc Manh and Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso issued a Vietnam-Japan joint statement on strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.

Besides, cultural exchange as well as cooperation in all areas between two countries has been boosted so far. We would like to appreciate the cooperation of all individuals and organizations, including ASEAN-Japan Centre, for having been contributing to the development of the relationship between our two countries.

Since Vietnam became a member of ASEAN-Japan Centre in 1998, ASEAN-Japan Centre and Vietnam Embassy in Japan have built a good cooperation to facilitate trade, investment and tourism between ASEAN and Japan, especially between Vietnam and Japan. ASEAN-Japan Centre has improved itself in many ways to effectively promote the ASEAN?Japan relation.

I am convinced that, in the future ASEAN-Japan Centre will play a more important role in contributing to the development of ASEAN countries and Japan.

June 2009