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On March 18, DPJ President Banri Kaieda met with the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Truong Tan Sang, at the State Guest House in Tokyo. The two sides reminisced about the history of friendly relations between Japan and Vietnam, which last year celebrated the 40th anniversary since the normalization of diplomatic relations.
President Sang stated, "I welcome the fact that the relationship between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the DPJ is developing in an amicable way. I appreciate your contribution toward the development of relations between Japan and Vietnam during the time that the DPJ was in power. I hope that the strategic partnership between our two countries will continue to progress still further." He also commented, "I believe that the relationship between Japan and Vietnam is at a historical high. It is my belief that the connections between our two countries will become even stronger."
Kaieda welcomed the President to Japan, and expressed his gratitude to him for finding the time to meet with the DPJ. He looked back on the relationship with Vietnam during the time of the DPJ administration, saying that the DPJ government had viewed Vietnam as an important partner and emphasized strengthening of the bilateral relationship. He added that the party would like to continue to make efforts toward reinforcing exchanges in various fields, such as politics, economics, and culture, and to further develop the bilateral relationship.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary General Akihiro Ohata, Executive Office Director-General Satoshi Arai, and International Department Director-General Kaname Tajima.
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