Hanoi – Fukuoka relations reach new height

Hanoi and the Japanese city of Fukuoka are committed to further pushing the bilateral ties to a new height.

Overview of the meeting between Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen and Fukuoka Governor Hattori Seitaro. Photos: Tran Long/The Hanoi Times

This view was shared at various meetings between Deputy Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Thi Tuyen and officials of Fukuoka on November 10. Tuyen is currently leading a high-ranking delegation from Hanoi on a visit to Japan and Qatar from November 7 to 16.

The visit to Fukuoka, at the invitation from the local government, represents a joint initiative to coordinate activities to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Hanoi-Fukuoka friendship ties (2008-2023).

Fukuoka Governor Hattori Seitaro and Prefectural Council Chairman Kohara Katsuji extended a warm and respectful welcome to the Hanoi delegation, highlighting the visit as a significant resumption of delegation exchange activities between the two regions, which had been interrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During meetings and working sessions on November 10 with Fukuoka prefectural leaders, both sides expressed satisfaction with recent achievements. They underscored the importance of local-level cooperation between Hanoi and Fukuoka and acknowledged its role in deepening the friendship between Vietnam and Japan.

Hanoi leaders present gift to Fukuoka Governor Hattori Seitaro.

Building upon the 2008  Friendly Cooperation Agreement and subsequent Memoranda of Understanding in 2010, 2013, and 2018, Hanoi and Fukuoka have achieved fruitful cooperation in various fields such as trade and investment, culture, arts, agriculture, education, and the environment. This cooperation has made positive contributions to the development of each locality.

In the field of environment, the construction of a waste landfill project using Fukuoka's semi-aerobic landfill technology in the Xuan Son waste treatment area (Son Tay, Hanoi) began in 2014. The project, which has been in operation since June 10, 2015, processes approximately 240 tons of waste per day and has yielded positive effects in waste treatment and environmental protection.

The agricultural sector is another highlight of collaboration, marked by events such as the Hanoi-Fukuoka Agriculture Promotion Workshop in 2018 and a training program in the same year for Hanoi district leaders to learn from Fukuoka's experiences. Additionally, annual high-tech agricultural development exchange activities in Fukuoka and agricultural technical training courses organized by Fukuoka for Hanoi contribute to this cooperative effort.

In the realm of education and training, an agreement between the Hanoi Department of Education and Training and the Fukuoka Provincial Private Education Association, signed in September 2011, has facilitated student exchanges. Since 2012, Hanoi has hosted 40-60 Fukuoka students annually, and reciprocated by sending 20 Hanoi students to Japan for study and cultural exchange. This program serves as a meaningful collaboration to foster understanding and cultural exchange among the younger generations of both regions.

The Hanoi delegation during a meeting with Fukuoka Prefectural Council Chairman Kohara Katsuji.

On April 25, 2014, the Hanoi People's Council and the Fukuoka Prefectural Council signed an Agreement to promote exchanges and friendship, symbolizing a comprehensive collaboration between all levels of the two localities.

Tuyen emphasized that the relationship between Hanoi and Fukuoka is a dynamic example of cooperative growth for mutual benefits, grounded in trust, mutual understanding, and the bonds of close friendship.

“Discussions on enhancing cooperation between the two localities underscored the necessity to sustain and reinforce exchange activities and delegation interactions at all levels,” said Tuyen, expecting the expansion of collaboration in areas such as education, training, investment promotion, and trade to deepen, enrich, and broaden the relationship.

Delegates at the meeting.

Following the successful official visit of Hanoi leaders to Fukuoka, the Governor of Fukuoka and the Chairman of the Fukuoka Prefectural  Council announced their official visit to Hanoi in January 2024. This visit aims to solidify discussions on advancing cooperation between the two localities, including plans to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding focusing on education and training.

On the same day, the "Vietnam - Hanoi Festival" 2023 in Fukuoka was officially opened at Tenjin Central Park, Japan, jointly organized by Hanoi and Fukuoka.

This cultural and artistic exchange event, held on the anniversary of significant years between the two localities, aims to strengthen understanding, foster shared experiences, and build on the foundation of friendship between the two countries and regions.

Hanoi and Fukuoka leaders at the "Vietnam - Hanoi Festival" 2023.

At the ceremony, Tuyen expressed her satisfaction to attend this special event, marking the 15-year journey of friendship and cooperation between Hanoi and Fukuoka. She highlighted Hanoi's pride in making a positive contribution, especially through fostering collaborations with Japanese localities, including Fukuoka.

Delegates visit booths at the festival.

The festival, spanning three days, features performances combining traditional Vietnamese music and dance by talented artists from the Thang Long - Hanoi Water Puppet Theater, along with special repertoires by Japanese performers. The event also features booths showcasing culture, traditional handicrafts, and the essence of Vietnamese cuisine. This serves as a unique opportunity to introduce Fukuoka residents to the distinctive aspects of Vietnamese and Hanoi culture, cuisine, and people.