The event attracted the attendance of senior Vietnamese leaders, local Japanese officials, and the Vietnamese community in the Kyushu and Okinawa regions.

In his speech at the function, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong, who is paying a working visit to Japan, emphasised the historic significance of the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, proclaiming the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

He also affirmed that over the past 80 years, Vietnam has overcome numerous challenges to become one of the world’s top 35 economies, with extensive diplomatic relations and participation in numerous free trade agreements.

Taking the floor, Consul General Vu Chi Mai highlighted the 15-year journey of establishing and developing the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka and emphasised the strong economic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan and with the Kyushu region in particular.

The direct flight route from Vietnam to Hiroshima, beginning May 2024, is expected to open new opportunities for investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges, she said.

According to the diplomat, Vietnam currently ranks second among foreign markets that businesses in Fukuoka are eager to expand cooperation with. Exports from Vietnam to Japan reached over US$6.3 billion in the first quarter of this year, an increase of more than 12%.

The opening of a direct flight route from Vietnam to Hiroshima in May 2024 not only shortens the geographical distance but also strengthens connections among people and businesses, opening up new opportunities for investment, tourism, cultural, and educational exchanges between the two sides, she said.

Representing the local government, Governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Hattori Seitaro, stated that currently there are over 23,000 Vietnamese people living, studying, and working in Fukuoka. He affirmed that Fukuoka Prefecture would continue efforts to ensure that everyone, including the Vietnamese community, can live safely, peacefully, and actively participate in the social life of the prefecture.

During the ceremony, the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka presented certificates of merit and commemorative medals to individuals and organisations with significant contributions to the development of friendly relations and support for the Vietnamese community in Japan.

Representatives of the Vietnamese diaspora shared their pride and determination to preserve Vietnamese identity, language, and cultural traditions in Japan.

NA Vice Chairman Tran Quang Phuong begins official visit to Japan

VOV.VN - Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong arrived in Fukuoka on the morning of September 25 to begin an official working visit to Japan, with the aim of strengthening bilateral ties and parliamentary diplomacy.