(VOVworld)-The Vietnamese Embassy in Japan held an end-of-year party for foreign diplomats yesterday/ on Thursday to welcome the Lunar New Year. The event is one of many activities to mark the 40^th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties. Speaking at the event, Vietnamese ambassador to Japan Doan Xuan Hung  reviewed the diplomatic achievements through which Vietnam and Japan have become  close and reliable partners.  Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Toshiko Abe said that Vietnam and Japan are important partners with common interests in the region. She hoped the relationship between two countries will grow at all levels. Former Prime Minister Hatoyama sent his New Year greeting to all Vietnamese people.