Hanoi (VNA) – State President Luong Cuong hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 22 for Nakasone Yasutaka, member of the House of Representatives and Director of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Youth Division of Japan, along with a 60-member delegation, who are in Vietnam from August 20 to 22.
The delegation comprised Japanese lawmakers, representatives from the private sector, and students.
President Cuong praised the LDP Youth Division for selecting Vietnam as one of the first destinations following its leadership restructuring, spotlighting the delegation’s packed agenda of exchanges with young members of the 15th National Assembly and the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.
Such interactions, he said, serve as important and substantive channels to raise mutual understanding between both nations’ young leaders, laying a foundation for advancing the Vietnam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Reflecting on Vietnam’s 80-year remarkable journey, from a poor and war-torn colony absent from the world map to a key ASEAN member and a global and regional bright spot, he noted the country’s socio-political stability, its status as the world’s 32nd largest economy, and its expanding global integration.
He credited international partners, including Japan, to bolstering Vietnam’s socio-economic development, investment climate, and legal reforms, calling the two countries' relationship a model of successful bilateral cooperation.
Nakasone, returning to Vietnam after eight years, expressed honour to visit Vietnam during a historic moment as the country gears up for the 80th anniversary of the National Day. He voiced admiration for the patriotism and pride of history of the Vietnamese people, especially its younger generation.
Impressed by the drastic leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State in pushing forward reforms, rapid economic growth and youthful dynamism, he expressed confidence in Vietnam’s continued development, affirming that he and the Youth Division members will contribute actively to further strengthening the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In reply, the host leader suggested the LDP Youth Division ramp up high-level exchanges and visits among ministries, lawmakers, and localities of the countries.
He proposed Japan continue assisting Vietnam in industrialisation and modernisation, achieving its development goals, and helping Vietnamese enterprises integrate more deeply into Japanese supply chains. The President also encouraged cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, semiconductors, and quality human resources development.
Responding to the host’s suggestions, Nakasone pledged to continue fostering exchanges and cooperation between the LDP Youth Division and young Vietnamese lawmakers at both national and local levels.
Japan is interested in expanding quality ODA and FDI projects in Vietnam, increasing collaboration in national defence – security, agriculture, green transition, digital transformation, semiconductors, and science – technology, he said.
He also affirmed the LDP’s commitment to creating more favourable conditions for the over 600,000 Vietnamese now residing, studying, and working in Japan, recognising their vital role in Japan’s socio-economic development.
Some Japanese delegates also expressed their wish to boost locality-to-locality cooperation and connectivity through people-to-people exchanges, investment, and tourism, while pledging support for a successful “Vietnam Day” at Expo Osaka 2025./.
