President lauds Japan-Vietnam relations

Hanoi (VNA) - President Nguyen Minh Triet reaffirmed Vietnam 's commitment to
developing strong friendship and cooperation with Japan .

He made the remarks while receiving a delegation from Japan 's International
Friendship Exchange Council (FEC), led by Ken Matsuzawa, Vice President of the
Aoyama training fund, in Hanoi on March 21.

President Triet expressed his satisfaction at progress in Vietnam-Japan relations.
He said that Japan 's resumption of providing ODA funding to Vietnam was a
reflection of the two countries' confidence in each other, and a clear
manifestation of efforts to enhance multifaceted cooperation for the benefit of
both countries.

He affirmed the importance of education and training, a key prerequisite for
Vietnam 's industrialization and modernization.

President Triet spoke highly of Japan 's high-quality education system, and
expressed his wishes that Japan will further promote cooperation and share
experiences with Vietnam in this area.

He welcomed FEC assistance, and said he believes that the visit will help FEC
better understand Vietnam 's current position and help to persuade them to
continue to provide the country with assistance, particularly toward education and
training.

Matsuzawa told the Vietnamese President that the FEC's visit is aimed at
fact-finding about the Vietnamese educational system, with an aim to contribute to
Vietnam 's development and further strengthen ties between the two nations.

He added that over the past 20 years, FEC has organized many activities to promote
economic and cultural cooperation, and is honoured to have its efforts recognized
and appreciated by the Vietnamese government.

FEC will continue to do its utmost to promoting Japan-Vietnam relations, he
stressed.-Enditem