Former Deputy Prime Minister cum Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem has been presented with the Japanese Sunrise Order for his work in promoting diplomatic relations with Japan .

The award was presented at a ceremony held on June 11 by Japanese ambassador to Vietnam Yasuaki Tanizaki.

Tanizaki said the Order was for Khiem's contributions to developing the strategic partnership between Japan and Vietnam during his years as a career diplomat.

Khiem thanked the Japanese Government and its people for the award and expressed his belief that strategic relations between the two countries will move to the next level, especially as they celebrated 40 years of diplomatic ties next year.-VNA