(VOVworld) – The Consulate General of Japan in Ho Chi Minh city held a ceremony on Wednesday to kick off Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year 2013, marking the 40^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties. Le Manh Ha, Deputy Chairman of the City's Municipal People's Committee, said the ceremony marks a beginning for a wide range of culture and art exchanges: Additional to the determination of the two countries’ leaders, cultural similarities have brought us closer to each other. The Vietnamese people admire the Japanese unyielding spirit. Overcoming challenges together has tightened the bilateral relations. I believe that Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year will be a success and our bilateral strategic partnership will constantly develop.

Vietnamese and Japanese leaders have been organizing frequent visits and meetings. Japan is Vietnam’s 3^rd biggest trading partner and largest investor.

An introduction of Japan's renowned wine called "sake" is included in the launch ceremony (Photo: VNA)