Vietnam and Japan to Enhance People-to-People Exchanges
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: On Monday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bùi Thanh Sơn received Takebe Tsutomu, Special Advisor to the Japan – Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, in Hanoi, underscoring the strengthening locality-to-locality cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Minister Sơn conveyed his deep condolences for the recent passing of Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, calling it a profound loss for the Vietnamese Party, State, and people. He urged Japan to continue collaborating closely with Vietnam to honor the Party leader’s legacy, building upon the achievements made so far. This, he emphasized, would further the recently established comprehensive strategic partnership and foster substantive and effective cooperation across all fields.
The Foreign Minister commended Takebe for his unwavering efforts in bolstering the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. These efforts include initiatives such as the establishment of the Vietnam – Japan University, the organization of the annual Vietnam – Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Festival in Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Festival in Quảng Ninh Province, and efforts to improve the working environment for Vietnamese workers in Japan.
Minister Sơn highlighted that locality-to-locality cooperation has become a key pillar of bilateral relations, with people-to-people exchanges being increasingly enhanced. He called on Takebe to continue strengthening cooperation, particularly in education and training, labor, cultural exchanges, and tourism. Specific suggestions included increasing flights between the two countries and simplifying visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens. He also advocated for ongoing support for the Vietnam – Japan University project to help provide high-quality human resources for Vietnam.
The Foreign Minister expressed hope that the alliance would support a new labor reception policy to create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese people in Japan while sharing experiences in addressing population aging.
During the meeting, Takebe expressed his sorrow over the passing of the Party leader and extended his deep condolences to Vietnamese leaders and people. He fondly recalled the Japan visits by Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng in 2008 and 2015, recognizing his significant contributions to the development of bilateral friendship and cooperation over the years.
Takebe informed his host about the preparation plans for a series of events celebrating the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam – Japan University this year. He also mentioned his coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan to prepare for the Vietnam Festival in Hokkaido, scheduled for mid-August, and pledged to continue his efforts to contribute to the development of the Vietnam – Japan comprehensive strategic partnership in the future.
