The November 29 gathering between Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and the Japanese families participating in youth exchanges. (Photo: VOV)

The event, part of the Vietnamese leader’s official visit to Japan, was also participated by representatives of some Japanese organizations such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE), and the youth leaders development organization of Japan (DAY), which have coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCYU) Central Committee to hold youth cooperation activities and exchanges.

President Thuong, who used to take part in such programs, said those practical and meaningful friendship exchanges have helped young Vietnamese promote their understanding about and love for Japan as well as the hospitable, sincere, and kind Japanese people.

He also thanked JICA, JICE, DAY, and the units which have actively worked with the HCYU Central Committee for organizing exchanges in the two countries, substantially helping maintain and promote the traditional friendship and cultural exchanges between both peoples.

Expressing their delight at meeting the Vietnamese leader and his spouse, the Japanese families said they are impressed that Thuong still cherishes his memories of the time he spent in Japan in the past.

They offered congratulations on the achievements gained during the 50 years of bilateral relations and also shared their memories of the Vietnamese youth who are smart, friendly, and industrious. They added that they hope to welcome more young Vietnamese people to youth cooperation activities and cultural exchanges in Japan.

President Vo Van Thuong (second row, center), officials, and martial artists of Vietnam and Japan at the exchange in Tokyo on November 29 (Photo: VNA)

For their part, representatives of the Japanese organizations highlighted the meaningfulness and results of joint activities between the youths of Vietnam and Japan. They noted that coordination with the HCYU Central Committee will be further enhanced to carry out more projects to bring cultural, people-to-people, and youth exchanges on par with the newly established comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

President Thuong held that the elevation of bilateral ties is a chance to expand and foster people-to-people exchanges, including those between the countries’ young people.

He voiced his hope that agencies, organisations, localities, and families of Japan will keep working closely and effectively with the HCYU Central Committee and related agencies of Vietnam to hold more cooperation activities between Vietnamese and Japanese youths to unceasingly nurture the ties between the countries’ peoples and young generations.