At the State banquet (Source: VNA) In his speech, the Presidenthailed the visit as an important milestone in bilateral friendship andcooperation, saying that the Vietnam-Japan relationship is now at its best in history.
He noted that while next year thetwo countries will celebrate the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomaticties, bilateral exchanges dated back more than 1,000 years ago, when monk PhatTriet brought the Lam Ap dances with him from Vietnam to Japan’s Nara in the 8th century.
At present, nearly 170,000Vietnamese are living and working in Japan. Last year, more than 200,000Vietnamese visited Japan and over 700,000 Japanese travelled to Vietnam.
Describing cultural similarities andclose bonds between the two peoples as a solid foundation for bilateral ties,President Quang said Vietnam and Japan are not only extensive strategicpartners but also sincere friends sharing joy and grief together.
He recalled how Vietnamese peoplefrom all walks of life shared the pain of the Japanese people over their lossescaused by earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, while highlighting Japan’ssupport for Vietnam in national development over the past years.
Vietnam considers Japan a long-termpartner of top importance and a close friend, and the bilateral partnership isfor the sake of the two peoples, for peace and prosperity in the region and theworld, he stated.
Emperor Akihito, in reply,expressed his thanks for the warm welcome of the Vietnamese people for him andEmpress Michiko, as well as for the Japanese Crown Prince, Prince and Princesswhen they visited Vietnam.
He said he was delight that moreVietnamese people are interested in Japanese language and more Japaneseenterprises are keen on business opportunities in Vietnam.
The Emperor said with around15,000 Japanese people living in Vietnam and regular cultural exchanges, thetwo countries have enhanced their cultural bonds and people-to-people exchangehas been deepened.
He said he is delighted to visitHue – the ancient capital of Vietnam where the Lam Ap music was once popular,and to have a chance to enjoy Vietnamese royal ceremonial music there.
In conclusion, he wished that thevisit would contribute to further strengthening mutual understanding and friendshipbetween the two peoples.-VNA
VNA
