During their stay from November 11-14, the delegates will join in cultural-art exchanges and discussions about the youth’s role in major social issues with local young people. 

Homestay experience will give them an insight into the life and culture of Vietnamese people in general and local residents in particular. 

This year’s programme has drawn the participation of 328 delegates from 10 ASEAN member nations and Japan, including 29 young people from Vietnam. 

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union Central Committee Nguyen Long Hai, who is also Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Youth, said Vietnam has always applauded the significance of the programme to fostering the friendship and mutual understanding among youths in ASEAN and Japan. 

Vietnam is the first stop of the ship, which began its trip in Japan on November 4. The 40-day voyage will also bring the delegates to Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and Indonesia before returning to Japan. 

SSEAYP is a cooperation programme between the governments of the 10 ASEAN nations and Japan with a view to fostering the friendship among their youths. It was first organised in 1974, and Vietnam has joined the programme since 1995.-VNA