At the Opening Ceremony, Comrade Nguyen Xuan Thang emphasized that the eighth theoretical exchange workshop between the two parties takes place at a time when the Communists and Marxists around the world are celebrating Karl Marx’s 200^th birthday and the 170^th anniversary of the first publication of “the Communist Manifesto”. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang affirmed that with the theme "The vitality of Marxism today," this theoretical exchange is an opportunity for the two sides to review fully the vitality of Marxism and share the outcomes of researches on Marxist theory and practice, thus having a better insight into the value of Marxist philosophy, he noted, adding that this would inspire the two parties to remain consistent for the ideology they pursue and the path towards socialism in the 21st century.

Mr. Thang further emphasized that the tremendous historical achievements over 30 years of “Doi Moi” (innovation) have continued to assert the right leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam as the leading factor determining all victories of the country’s revolution. Moreover, the stability and consistency based on the ideals of the Party, The exercise of Marxism and Ho Chi Minh’s thought is a prerequisite for the successful construction of socialism of the Vietnamese people, by the Vietnamese people and for the Vietnamese people, with the aspiration to make Vietnam an advanced industrial nation in the mid-21^st century.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang spoke at the Opening Ceremony

Comrade Tanaka Yu, head of the Japanese Communist Party delegation, stressed that Marxism is the guideline for the JCP on its path to push for reform. He also highly appreciated Vietnam's victories in the cause of national liberation in the past as well as the country’s current reform policy and international integration. Each new Party has different challenges, but going to socialism through market economy is the path of development, he noted.

Earlier, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang welcomed and exchanged ideas with comrade Tanaka Yu. The two sides highly appreciated the development of relations between the two parties in recent years, especially in the field of information sharing and theoretical exchanges. They agreed to further enhance collaboration and exchange activities between the CPV and JCP in order to promote Vietnam-Japan ties for peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world as well.

On the 16^th and 17^th of October, Vietnamese and Japanese delegates will continue exchanging ideas, assessing and commenting on the role and significance of Marxism in today's world.