The Hanoi municipal People’s Committee has ceremoniously conferred Honorary Citizenship upon two Japanese diplomats, former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and Japan-Vietnam Special Ambassador Sugi Ryotaro.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan conferred the titles on December 12 at the Vietnam Embassy saying they aim to recognize the diplomats for their contributions to developing the capital city of Hanoi and enhancing international cooperation for peace.

For his part, Nguyen Phuong Hong, the embassy charge d’affaires highlighted the contributions of the recipients over the past years to to foster the time-honoured friendship, people-to people and cross-cultural exchanges between the two nations.

Hanoi People’s Council Vice Chairwoman Vu Thi Hai,  in turn underscored the fact that Mr. Murayama and Mr. Ryotaro have been involved in innumerable charitable activities in Hanoi and have played an instrumental role in introducing Japanese culture to the Vietnamese people.

Former Prime Minister Murayama expressed his appreciation for the great honour and affirmed his willingness to make further contributions to the development of the capital city.

He hoped that both Hanoi and Vietnam would obtain remarkable achievements in the future.

Mr. Sugi Ryotaro said the title has motivated him to make further contributions to the Vietnam-Japan relations. In his speech, he mentioned that several Japanese citizens love the country so much they decided to take up residence in Hanoi.

VOV/VNN