Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) has helped Vietnam greatly in infrastructure development, poverty reduction and economic development.

This statement was made by National Assembly Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan at a reception for President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance (JVFPA) Takebe Tsutomu, in Hanoi on Oct. 10.

While expressing thanks to the Japanese government and people for provision of more ODA, Ngan said the capital flow mainly focuses on infrastructure development, personnel training, environmental protection and coping with climate change.

The assistance is of special significance as it has been carried out in the context where Japan is struggling to deal with the devastating consequences of the recent earthquake and tsunami and adverse impacts of the global economic crisis, Ngan said.

The NA Vice Chairwoman said she hoped that Takebe’s visit would contribute to boosting the strategic partnership between Japan and Vietnam .

She expressed her delight at the fine development in all areas of the relations between the two countries.

Vietnam attaches much importance to cooperation with Japan , Ngan said, noting that the two sides are making efforts to develop the strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia , as agreed by the two countries’ leaders.

The next session of the 13 th National Assembly is scheduled to set up the Parliamentary Friendship Groups, including the Vietnam-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Ngan said.

She said she hoped that the two countries’ legislative bodies and parliamentary friendship organisations would continue their exchange and cooperation for mutual understanding, cooperation and interests.

For his part, Takebe thanked the Vietnamese State and people for their support, both materially and spiritually, to the Japanese people in overcoming the aftermath of the disaster.

He expressed his pleasure at the continuous development of the Japan-Vietnam parliamentary friendship alliance relations and pledged that the JVFPA will make all-out efforts to strengthen the friendship with Vietnam .

Takebe informed his host of the upcoming visit to Vietnam by a delegation of Japanese female parliamentarians and said he wished that the two countries’ young people would increase exchanges in future./.