Certificate of Merit from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Vietnam awarded to the Management Board of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

In a thank you letter to Major General Pham Hai Trung, Head of the Mausoleum Management Board, Commander of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Protection Command, Ambassador Yamada Takio wrote that 2023 was the year commemorating the 50th anniversary of Japan - Vietnam diplomatic relations. Throughout the past year, many exchange events and special commemorative programs have been held, symbolizing that the Japan - Vietnam relationship is at its best ever.

Many high-level visits have been made. In particular, the two sides agreed to issue a Joint Declaration upgrading Japan-Vietnam relations to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world". Immediately afterward, in December, during his official visit to Japan on the occasion of the Summit commemorating the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio held high-level talks and in-depth discussions on how to concretize the content of cooperation in accordance with the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" relationship framework.

In addition to the exchange activities of senior leaders, throughout the past year, thanks to the cooperation and efforts of relevant stakeholders, many special 50th anniversary programs have been held throughout the provinces and cities of Japan and Vietnam. Through these commemorative activities, the connection between Japan and Vietnam is becoming deeper and stronger at many levels such as the grassroots level, local level and the young generation.

Ambassador Yamada Takio affirmed that the Management Board of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum has provided great cooperation and support in the activities of the visit to Vietnam and Crown Prince Akishino and Princess - an event that has become a highlight in the 50th anniversary year.

Ambassador Yamada Takio believes that the rich and unique exchange events and commemorative programs held on the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam will be engraved as a chapter in the long history of relations between the two countries. The Ambassador hopes to promote the momentum of the 50th anniversary year to further promote the Japan-Vietnam relationship, looking towards the future and reaching out to the world./.