“I was moved to receive the honour from the Japanese Emperor, which demonstrates the Japanese Government’s high appreciation for Vietnam’s position in the region and constant effort to cooperate with Japan,” Mr Khoan told a Tokyo-based VOV correspondent after the ceremony. 

Mr Khoan said the fine development of bilateral relations over the years is paving the way for the two countries to foster their partnership in the future.

“The order is a great honour for me,” said Mr Khoan. “It shows that the two countries’ leaders are greatly concerned about their people’s interests as well as peace and development in the region. It provides a firm foundation for their sectors and localities to make greater efforts in strengthening bilateral cooperative relations in politics, economics, culture, education and training. I am optimistic about Vietnam-Japan relations in the future.”