Vietnam always considers Japan its top and long-time partner, said Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong while receiving newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Umeda Kunio in Hanoi on December 14.

He congratulated the ambassador on taking office when the bilateral strategic partnership is thriving.

The Party leader said he believes that the diplomat, with his experience, will make active contributions to deepening the relationship during his tenure.

Pleased with robust growth of the ties since the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-Japan Relations was issued in September 2015, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stressed the importance of increasing high-level exchanges and meetings to cement political trust and pragmatic cooperation in all fields.

He welcomed upcoming visits to Vietnam by Japanese leaders, including the one by the Emperor and Empress.

The Party leader also expected Japan to continue supporting Vietnam during its development process.

For his part, Umeda Kunio noted that the Japanese Government pays heed to boosting comprehensive collaboration with Vietnam, particularly via high-ranking delegation exchanges.

The diplomat said he will do his utmost to stimulate the growth of Vietnam-Japan relations in line with the Joint Vision Statement, firstly by working with Vietnamese agencies in organising Japanese leaders’ upcoming Vietnam visits.

He wished to receive support from the Vietnamese Party and State to accomplish his missions during the time in Vietnam.