Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs held a ceremony in Tokyo on November 10 to present Sugi Ryotaro with a certificate recognizing his appointment as Vietnam-Japan special ambassador for the 2026-2029 term.

The ceremony was attended by To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam.

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung presented the certificate to Sugi, a prominent Japanese cultural figure who has made longstanding contributions to relations between the two countries.

Born in 1944 in Japan's Hyogo Prefecture, Sugi is a well-known singer, stage actor and performer in historical television dramas and films.

For nearly 40 years, he has devoted considerable time and effort to strengthening friendship between Vietnam and Japan. His contributions include organizing major cultural exchanges and supporting disadvantaged children in remote areas through humanitarian initiatives.

These efforts have helped deepen mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the peoples of the two countries.

Over the years, Sugi has received numerous Vietnamese honors, including the Friendship Medal, the Third-Class Labor Order, the title of Honorary Citizen of Hanoi, a commemorative medal for peace and friendship among nations from the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations, and a medal for contributions to national security from the Ministry of Public Security.

His latest appointment as special ambassador for the 2026-2029 term further recognizes his enduring commitment to Vietnam-Japan relations.

Speaking at the ceremony, Sugi expressed his deep affection for Vietnam and its people, saying the country has long held a special place in his heart.

He pledged to continue working closely with relevant agencies in both countries on practical initiatives involving cultural exchange, healthcare, community health and assistance for disadvantaged children.

Sugi also voiced support for efforts to ensure fair and favorable living, educational and working conditions for Vietnamese residents in Japan, enabling them to contribute positively to Japan's socioeconomic development and bilateral friendship.

Vietnamese leader meets three former Japanese prime ministers

Also on November 10, General Secretary and President To Lam met three former Japanese prime ministers: Shigeru Ishiba, Fumio Kishida and Taro Aso, who currently serves as vice president of Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

The former Japanese leaders welcomed To Lam and his spouse's visit to Japan, highlighting its significance and expressing confidence that it would generate fresh momentum for the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

To Lam thanked the former prime ministers for their longstanding affection for Vietnam and their important contributions to bilateral relations over the years.

He expressed hope that they would continue supporting efforts to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in line with the Vietnam-Japan Joint Vision Statement.

The Vietnamese leader outlined four priorities for bilateral cooperation.

These include strengthening political trust through regular exchanges across Party, government and parliamentary channels; expanding economic cooperation and integration while ensuring economic security; promoting collaboration in innovation, space technology and high-tech agriculture; and improving cooperation between localities in the two countries.

The former Japanese prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting bilateral relations regardless of their future positions.

They emphasized the importance of building a new phase of cooperation in which Vietnam and Japan work as partners in mutually beneficial development, promoting high-quality growth, strategic autonomy and resilience.

They said stronger ties would serve the aspirations of both peoples while contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

Aso expressed support for Vietnam's reform efforts and development goals, while praising the outcome of talks between To Lam and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.

He welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and the LDP, pledging continued support for relations between the two countries and their ruling parties.

Aso also expressed his desire to visit Vietnam again soon.

Kishida recalled his many experiences with Vietnam during his years as secretary-general of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance.He spoke warmly of the country and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting high-level exchanges and strengthening the role of parliamentary friendship groups in both nations.

Kishida said he was particularly impressed by To Lam's address to the Japanese parliament, describing its proposals for deepening Vietnam-Japan relations as practical and meaningful.

Ishiba, meanwhile, recalled being impressed by Vietnam's development during his visit in April 2025.

He praised Vietnam's diplomatic achievements and pledged to continue contributing to stronger relations between the two countries.

Tran Thuong