Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito reiterated his country’s policy of strengthening the friendship and cooperation with Vietnam during a meeting with Ho Chi Minh City mayor Le Hoang Quan on February 13.

He said he was happy to see more than 3,000 Japanese nationals live comfortable lives and 450 Japanese businesses operate efficiently in the city.

He hoped that more practical activities will be carried out to connect the two nations within the framework of the Japan-Mekong Exchange Year from January 1 to December 31, 2009.

Mayor Quan stressed the importance of the establishment of dynamic ties between the two countries’ localities, especially between HCM City and Osaka, Yokohama and Hiogo, which he said will help promote bilateral trade, tourism and the sharing of experience in urban construction and management.

While in the city, Prince Naruhito visited a school where 211 Japanese primary and secondary pupils are enrolled, and the Vietnam-Japan Centre for Human Resource Training.

Prince Naruhito began a week-long visit to Vietnam on February 9 at the invitation of State vice President Nguyen Thi Doan. He visited Hanoi, Hue city, Quang Nam, Da Nang, HCM City and Tien Giang.

VietNamNet/VOV