(VOVworld) – A ceremony to mark 40 years of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations and a Vietnam-Japan friendship festival took place in Hanoi on Friday.

The Bridge Pagoda in ancient town of Hoi An – a symbol of the Vietnam – Japan relationship (Photo: VOV)

Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai said the events are an important part of the activities organized by the two countries during the Year of Vietnam-Japan Friendship. He said determination and tireless efforts by the two peoples over the past 40 years have developed their relationship comprehensively. The establishment of a strategic partnership framework for peace and prosperity in Asia is the most vivid evidence, according to Mr. Hai.

“This month television stations in both countries will screen a film entitled ‘The Partner’, which tells the story of the friendship between Vietnamese patriot Phan Boi Chau and his Japanese friends 100 years ago. Traces of Japanese merchants who visited the Vietnamese town of Hoi An 400 years ago are still preserved and respected. Two-way trade is still being promoted. Last year, nearly 600,000 Japanese people visited Vietnam. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese will attend Vietnamese Days in Japan organized this month in five Japanese cities. The number of Vietnamese people living, working, and studying in Japan is more than 60,000.”

A Vietnam Festival in Japan in 2012 (Photo: VOV)

“Vietnam is a young nation experiencing rapid growth. The current bilateral ties are developing strongly and I hope that the relationship will continue to grow. We share many similarities that we should maintain and develop, especially among younger generations. This will benefit both countries.”

Murayama expressed his belief that the Vietnam-Japan friendship festival will help the two peoples better understand and deeply sympathize with each other, creating a firm foundation for future cooperation.