At a January 9 reception for Tanigaki Sadakazu, President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan (LDP), Chairman Hung said he hopes Mr Sadakazu’s visit to Vietnam will make practical contributions to strengthening the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

The NA leader praised the two countries’ joint efforts to maintain their time-honoured friendship and fine sentiments which have been tested by the complex global situation and natural disasters.

Mr Hung said he hope the two sides will continue to promote cooperative programmes and projects in the future and raise the strategic partnership to a higher level.

Mr Hung reported that the two nations are keen to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation in economics, trade, and investment, as well as science and technology.

Vietnam and Japan also need to increase cooperation in health care, education, cultural exchange, and national defense and security to maintain peace in the region and in the world.

Mr Sadakazu expressed delight with his visit to Vietnam, saying he hopes the two legislative bodies will promote exchanges between members of both parliaments.

The LDP President thanked the Vietnamese people for helping his country overcome the consequences of the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami last year, and said that Japan always attaches great importance to boosting economic cooperation with Vietnam.

More than 1,000 Japanese businesses are currently operating in Vietnam and that number will increase in the future, Mr Sadakazu noted.

He said he hopes both countries will further enhance comprehensive cooperation, particularly in economics, diplomacy and national defense and security.