This is the first visit to Japan by President Thuongand the fourth trip to the East Asian country by Vietnamese Presidentssince the two countries established diplomatic ties 50 years ago.
President Thuong and his spouse are accompanied byDeputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Chairman of the Presidential Office LeKhanh Hai, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Minister of TransportNguyen Van Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defence Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of Public Security Tran Quoc To, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu, among others.
This year marks the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam-Japandiplomatic relations and the 9th anniversary of the upgrade of the bilateralrelationship to an extensive strategic partnership./.