Former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and Japan-Vietnam/Vietnam-Japan Special Ambassador Sugi Ryotaro have been presented the title of Honorary Citizenship of Hanoi for their contributions to the Vietnamese capital city’s development.

The title of Honorary Citizenship of Hanoi conferred on former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama (L)

At the ceremony to confer the title in Tokyo on December 12, charge d’affaires a.i of the Vietnamese Embassy Nguyen Phuong Hong highlighted the work done by the former Japanese PM and the Special Ambassador to foster the friendship, people-to-people and cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Hanoi People’s Council Vice Chairwoman Vu Thi Hai also praised the two Japanese for their charitable activities in Hanoi, adding that they also played a vital role in introducing Japanese culture to Vietnamese people.

Former PM Murayama, currently Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship and Peace Council, said he is honoured to receive the title, affirming that he will do more to help Hanoi’s development in the future.

Murayama was the first Japanese PM to officially visit Vietnam, opening a new development period in bilateral relations, thus paving the way for Japanese firms to invest in Vietnam.

Special Ambassador Ryotaro said the title has motivated him to further contribute to the Vietnam-Japan relations.

Source: VNA