Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yasuaki Tanizaki hosted a reception on December 7 in Hanoi to celebrate the Japanese Emperor’s 79th Birthday.

Speaking at the function, the diplomat expressed his pleasure at the sound development of the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries over the past years.

He affirmed that Japan always attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Vietnam and will continue to support the country in its national industrialisation and modernisation.

In the future, the two countries will broaden their cooperation to various fields, and celebrate the 40 th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2013, which is an important with a milestone in bilateral ties, he said.

On behalf of the Vietnamese Government and people, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan expressed warmest regards and greetings to the Japanese Emperor, government and people.

He said Vietnam is delighted at the success that Japan has gained in the recovery after the devastating March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

He thanked the Japanese Government for offering Vietnam a large amount of ODA, expressing his belief that the Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation will continue to significantly develop in the future for mutual benefit, contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world./.VNA