Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan received former Japanese Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Matsuda Iwao in Hanoi on October 17.

At the reception, Deputy PM Nhan expressed his pleasure at the growing relationship between Vietnam and Japan, especially since the two countries agreed to lift their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership.

He appreciated Iwao’s contributions to the two countries’ friendship and cooperation, including his active part in the signing of the governmental agreement on science and technology cooperation in 2006, and exchange activities between law makers.

Nhan emphasised that the former minister’s recommendations for a Vietnam festival in Japan have helped deepen the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples, particularly younger generations.

For his part, former Minister Iwao expressed his honour at receiving Vietnam’s noble Friendship Medal, believing that the close links between the two sides over the past time will further blossom in the future.-VNA