On Thursday, Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh played host to Col Nakagama Yoshiyuki, Commander of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s Training Division No 1.

Vice Chairman Minh (right) and Col Nakagama Yoshiyuki

Vice Chairman Minh remarked his city has been focusing on promoting the development of tourism and hi-tech industries over recent years.

He added Da Nang has to date attracted 170 Japanese-invested projects with a total investment of over 650 million USD. The opening of non-stop flights between Da Nang to Japanese loccalities has also facilitated for boosting the bilateral tourism cooperation between the 2 countries. In addition, Japanese language has been taught in many schools across the city.

The host also lauded the ongoing visit by Japanese training vessels JS Setoyuki and JS Shimayuki, which helped to promoting the mutual understanding between the Viet Nam People's Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, as well as fostering the bilateral defense cooperation between the 2 countries as a whole.

In reply, Col Yoshiyuki thanked the city leader for his warm welcome, and said that he was very impressed with the city’s recent rapid growth.

The guest said the two ships’ visit aimed to train essential skills at sea for Japanese officers and men, as well as strengthen international exchanges and cooperation.

During their stay in Da Nang from 6 - 9 March, the Japanese naval officers will pay a courtesy visit to the High Command of Naval Zone 3, play a friendly volleyball match with their Vietnamese colleagues, and perform musical programmes at the Trung Vuong Theatre.