Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc addresses the Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange in Da Nang city, January 12, 2020 (Photo: VGP)

The event was also attended by Nikai Toshihiro, Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan and Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance.

Prime Minister Phuc said the exchange is significant as it vividly demonstrates the comprehensive, strong development of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership. Bilateral ties are now in their pinnacle after both countries established their diplomatic ties in September, 1973. Mr. Phuc said political trust between Vietnam and Japan has been consolidated through high-level visits. He added: “The government and people of Vietnam always consider Japan a reliable and primary partner for long-term cooperation. Japan also considers Vietnam a leading strategic partner in the region. Vietnam is the coordinator of the ASEAN-Japan relations for the 2018-2021 period, the Chair of ASEAN for 2020, and the non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 term. Let’s work together to elevate bilateral ties to a new height.”

During the cultural exchange, Prime Minister Phuc and Secretary General Toshihiro witnessed a ceremony to donate books in Japanese language to several schools in Central Vietnam.