President Vo Van Thuong and his wife and Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess attend the ceremony marking  50 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties in Tokyo on November 28, 2023. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son said cooperative and friendly relations between the two countries have developed strongly, substantively, extensively over the past half a century with accomplishments in almost all areas.

This is thanks to cultural similarities, shared interests, political trust, and especially the relentless efforts of generations of leaders and people of both countries, according to Minister Son.

He said the Vietnamese community in Japan is growing stronger with over half a million people, making it the second largest foreign community in Japan.

For Vietnam, Japan is not only a leading and long-term comprehensive strategic partner but also a sincere and reliable companion, he said.

Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko said Vietnam and Japan not only boost cooperation for peace and stability in the region and the world but also aim to maintain and strengthen the international order that is free, open and based on the rule of law.

Referring to the vision for the next five decades, she highlighted the utmost importance of promoting youth exchanges and cooperation in new areas, particularly in addressing environmental issues, green transition, and digital transformation.