Fukuoka urged to enhance ties with Vietnamese localities
President Truong Tan Sang proposed Japan’s Fukuoka prefecture expand cooperation with Vietnamese localities at a reception for the province’s Governor Ogawa Hiroshi in Hanoi on August 29.
President Sang stressed that Japan is Vietnam’s leading partner, adding Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s selection of Vietnam as his first destination after taking office proved Japan’s appreciation of the Southeast Asian nation.
He praised Fukuoka on its successful organisation of activities introducing Vietnam’s image to Japanese people.
The President voiced his support for Japan’s initiative to increase exchanges between the two countries’ youths.
The Fukuoka leader said that he is pleased to see Vietnam’s positive development in recent years, and that the prefecture’s businesses accompanying him during the visit want to explore opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam.
He highly valued the traditional ties between Fukuoka and Hanoi, saying that besides economic cooperation, the two sides should pay attention to cultural exchanges.
Fukuoka will send 1,000 high school students to joint exchanges with their Vietnamese peers, Ogawa Hiroshi said.
Through the Fukuoka Days in Vietnam, the prefecture wants to promote the image of Japan in general and Fukuoka in particular to Vietnamese people, he added.
He affirmed Vietnam’s land and people have become closer to Fukuoka, reflected by the opening of the Vietnamese consulate in Fukuoka and a direct air route to the prefecture.