A Japanese diplomat and a leading representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have both been honoured for their contributions to natural resources and environment protection in Vietnam.

Counselor Daito Michio of the Japanese Embassy and Mutsuya Mori, chief representative of the JICA Office in Vietnam, received insignias during a ceremony that took place in Hanoi on January 24.

Addressing the event, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Nguyen Minh Quang declared that over the past few years his ministry has received great support from the Japanese Embassy and JICA.

Both Michio and Mori have made active contributions, acting as links between the governments of Vietnam and Japan in the areas of natural resources and environment, he said.

The minister hailed the success of Japanese programmes implemented in Vietnam to respond to the threat of climate change, improve environmental protection and aid policy making.

Both recipients of the accolade said they were honoured to receive such recognition and pledged to further foster the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan , especially on environmental issues.-VNA