Attending the banquet were former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, Acting Chairman of the Democratic Party of Japan Yoshito Sengoku, Japanese parties’ leaders and large number of the overseas Vietnamese community in Japan.

Ambassador Nguyen Phu Binh stressed that the strategic relationship between Japan and Vietnam was strengthened after the Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, visited the country in October last year.

He also thanked the Japanese government and people for their assistance to the country’s development.

Mr. Fukuda and Mr. Sengoku expressed their pleasure at the growth of the relationship between the two countries.

The Acting Chairman pledged that Japan will continue to help Vietnam in key sectors where it has experience, especially education.

Guests at the banquet enjoyed traditional Vietnamese dishes for Tet and a celebratory interesting cultural show.