The Government of Japan awarded the Order of the Rising Sun to former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong.

Chính phủ Nhật Bản trao tặng Huân chương Mặt trời mọc cho nguyên Thứ trưởng Ngoại giao Nguyễn Quốc Cường

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki presents the Japanese government's decision to award the Order of the Rising Sun, with gold and silver stars, to former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs , Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong. (Photo: Thanh Long)

On October 3, at the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki, on behalf of the Japanese Government , presented the Order of the Rising Sun with gold and silver stars to former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong.

Attending the ceremony, on the Vietnamese side were alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu; former leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, diplomats who worked in Japan...

Speaking at the Medal awarding ceremony, Ambassador Ito Naoki acknowledged and highly appreciated the contributions of former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Cuong in his working positions, especially as Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan (2015-2018), contributing to the continuous and strong development of Japan-Vietnam relations, especially in promoting high-level exchanges.

On behalf of the Japanese government, Ambassador Ito Naoki presented the Order of the Rising Sun, with gold and silver stars, to former Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong. (Photo: Thanh Long)

Ambassador Ito Naoki recalled many important milestones during Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong's tenure as Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan, notably his contribution to the successful implementation of the 2017 visit to Vietnam by the then Emperor and Empress of Japan, the current Emperor and Empress of Japan, the last foreign trip of the Emperor and Empress of Japan during their tenure.

In addition, Ambassador Ito Naoki reiterated Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong's efforts in carefully preparing and playing an important role in adjusting the content of the Joint Statement between the two countries' senior leaders on the occasion of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's visit to Japan in 2015. This Joint Statement laid a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations in the future.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong speaks at the ceremony. (Photo: Jackie Chan)

Ambassador Ito Naoki also emphasized the close relationship between Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong; the vibrant activities of Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong and his wife across the provinces and cities of Japan, promoting local exchanges. Ambassador Ito Naoki said that the Vietnam Festival in Kanagawa province took place for the first time during Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong's term, and has been held nine times so far, attracting about 2.4 million visitors.

Touched by the solemn, warm and intimate ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong respectfully thanked the Japanese government for awarding him the Order of the Rising Sun, with gold and silver stars, Japan's noble award. The Ambassador emphasized that the Japanese government's recognition was not only for individuals but also for the contributions of the entire Embassy staff from many different ministries and branches throughout their term of office.

Alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu presented flowers to congratulate Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong and his wife. (Photo: Thanh Long)

The diplomat recalled his years working in Japan with many precious memories and wonderful impressions of the culture, lifestyle and friendliness of the people of the Land of the Rising Sun.

On this occasion, Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong would like to express his sincere thanks to his superiors, predecessors, friends and colleagues who have guided, accompanied and shared with him throughout his diplomatic career, including the years as the Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan. In particular, the Ambassador would like to express his deep gratitude to his life partner and companion - Mrs. Hoang Thi Minh Ha.

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong expressed his delight at the development of Vietnam-Japan relations in all fields; he believed that at a new height, Vietnam-Japan relations would continue to develop even more strongly in the coming time. The Ambassador affirmed that he would continue to be willing to contribute within his capacity to the friendship and cooperation between the two countries and the two peoples of Vietnam and Japan.

Some photos of Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Cuong during his term as Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan: