Speaking at the opening ceremony, Fukuoka prefecture’s Governor Wataru Aso said that the exchanges and cooperation between the two localities have been intensified in many fields, such as economy, tourism, environment, culture and skills training, since Hanoi and Fukuoka signed a cooperation agreement in February, 2008.

The strong cooperation can be seen through the establishment of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka’s third diplomatic mission in Japan after the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate General of Vietnam in Osaka, Governor Wataru added.

He also praised efforts to open direct flights between Hanoi and Fukuoka, which according to him will create favourable conditions for travelling between the two localities as well as boost bilateral economic cooperation.

Vice Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee Phi Thai Binh added that the inauguration of the flights will coincide with the 55th anniversary of Hanoi’s Liberation Day, which will fall on October 10. This will also serve as a friendship bridge between the two sides.

Meanwhile, Consul General Vu Huy Mung said that the recent visit to Fukuoka by high-ranking Hanoi officials led by its Chairman Nguyen The Thao, along with the festival and the establishment of direct flights, have marked a new stage in the development of friendship and cooperation between the two localities.

Consul General Mung expressed his hope that the cooperation between the two sides will steadily develop, contributing to building the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan, for the sake of peace and prosperity in Asia.

The festival for Hanoi-Vietnam days in Fukuoka is expected to last till October 11 with a series of activities including musical performances, traditional dance, an exhibition on Vietnamese handicrafts, a film presentation and a talk to introduce Vietnam’s culture.

On October 7, the Hanoi People’s Committee worked with the Consulate General of Vietnam in Fukuoka to hold a workshop to promote investment in Hanoi with the participation of 100 Japanese businesses and 12 others from Hanoi.