President sends birthday congrats to Japanese Emperor

President Truong Tan Sang on December 23 cabled a message of congratulations to Japanese Emperor Akihito on his 79th birth anniversary, which coincides with the National Day of Japan.

Japanese Emperor Akihito. (Photo: Internet)

On this occasion, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also sent greetings to their Japanese counterparts, Noda Yoshihiko and Gemba Koichiro.

Indochinese countries promote cooperation

The Vietnamese Embassy held a December 22 meeting in Japan with staff from the Lao and Cambodian Embassies.

Vietnamese Ambassador Doan Xuan Hung stressed the unique traditional ties between the three Indochinese nations.
The three countries’ embassies often organise exchanges to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in their external affairs, he added.

Lao Ambassador Kenthoong Nuathasing recalled attending a number of such events during his term in Australia. He said he believes the exchange will be maintained to tighten solidarity and friendship.

Cambodian Minister Counsellor Iem Puthviro expressed his delight at the recent meeting, noting it will help strengthen relations between the three embassies’ staff.

After the meeting, participants joined in some sports contests and cultural programmes.

Late Algerian official posthumously honoured

The Vietnamese Embassy in Algeria held a ceremony on December 23 to posthumously present the Friendship Order to Abdelkrim Hassani, late Chairman of the Algeria-Vietnam Friendship Organisation.

Ambassador Do Trong Cuong highlighted Abdelkrim’s role in strengthening the friendship and cooperation between Algeria and Vietnam.

He said as a politician and historian the Algerian official took every opportunity to introduce and support Vietnam at international forums.

On behalf of her husband, Drifa Ben M’hidi Hassani expressed deep gratitude to the Vietnamese State for honouring his contributions.

VNN/VNA