Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem has applauded the efforts of Sugi Ryotaro to boost cooperative relations in humanitarian, cultural and arts activities as Vietnam-Japan special ambassador.

At a reception in Hanoi on Oct. 4, Deputy PM and FM Khiem announced the decision to extend the term of the special ambassador until March 31, 2011.

Ryotaro pledged to exert his utmost to further contribute to the friendly cooperation and people and cultural exchanges between the two countries./.