VietNamNet Bridge – Viet Nam will send a 29-member delegation to set sail on the 39th ship for the Southeast Asian Youth Programme from October 10 to December 14.

The Japanese ship Fuji Maru will transport 400 youth from 10 ASEAN countries and Japan on a cruise through six countries including Viet Nam, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Japan. The voyage will begin from Japan.

The ship will make its first stop when it docks at HCM City's Sai Gon Port on November 9.

Vietnamese representatives will then introduce the country's people and culture, and discuss the sea and island sovereignty of Viet Nam – a major topic of the year – in the cultural exchange event.

Participants will also discuss the environment, safety, food and nutrition, HIV-AIDS and the leadership of young people.

In each country, they will take home-stays, and visits will incorporate local lifestyle and culture.

The two-month journey, first organised by the Japanese government and ASEAN in 1974, is an annual programme to boost the solidarity and friendship between youngsters in the ASEAN and Japan.

Viet Nam joined the SSAYP in 1996 and the event has become an important and exciting event for youths.

VietNamNet/VNS