Vice chairman of Hai Phong city People’s Committee Hoang Minh Cuong on February 29 afternoon received a delegation from two vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force (MSDF) that are making a port call to the Vietnamese northern port city, VNA reported.

The MSDF's Suzunami destroyer and Shimakaze training ship arrived in Hai Phong earlier the same day. The commander of Training Division 1, Captain Yanagihara Makoto leads the delegation.

A delegation from the two vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force are welcomed in the Vietnamese northern port city of Hai Phong. Photo: PANO

Welcoming the delegation, the city official affirmed that their visit is an important hallmark that helps strengthen Vietnam-Japan relations in general and the two countries’ navy forces in particular.

Hai Phong currently has cooperative and twinned relationships with six Japanese localities, Cuong said, adding that exchange activities at all levels between Hai Phong and Japanese localities and partners take place quite regularly, actively contributing to strengthening their cooperation.

Japan currently ranks third in terms of investment project number (144 projects) and second in terms of investment capital among foreign investors in the city with USD 4.1 billion.

In addition, the Japanese Government has supported the implementation of ODA projects, meeting the green and sustainable growth goals of Hai Phong City. Japan also implements projects that help improve people's health in the city.

At the welcoming ceremony in the Vietnamese northern port city of Hai Phong. Photo: PANO

For his part, Colonel Yanagihara Makoto and members of the Japanese delegation thanked Hai Phong city leaders for the welcome.

Sharing about their journey to three countries with Hai Phong of Vietnam as the last destination, he said that Japanese officers, sailors, and trainees can learn more about the history, culture, and people of the destinations including Vietnam.

According to Colonel Thai Hong Linh, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 1, the visit took place immediately after the visit to Vietnam of Japanese Vice Minister of Defence for International Affairs Serizawa Kiyoshi to co-chair the 10th Vietnam-Japan defence policy dialogue with Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Hoang Xuan Chien. This contributes to the effective implementation of bilateral defense cooperation between the two countries.

He hopes the delegation will have a meaningful visit with many memorable activities in the coming days in Vietnam.

Colonel Thai Hong Linh, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 1 visits a vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force. Photo: PANO

During their stay in Hai Phong which lasts until March 2, the Japanese delegation plans to meet the city’s leaders, visit Naval Zone 1, historical and cultural sites, among other activities.

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