Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Kazuyuki Nakane (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and ForeignMinister Pham Binh Minh on August 9 praised the role of Japan’s officialdevelopment assistance (ODA) in Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
At a reception for visiting State Minister for ForeignAffairs of Japan Kazuyuki Nakane in Hanoi, Minh also said he expects the sidesto continue their effective implementation of projects funded with the ODA.
He expressed his delight at the strong growth of the Vietnam– Japan extensive strategic partnership, particularly in exchanges ofhigh-ranking leaders.
Minh mentioned official trips of Japanese Emperor Akihitioand Empress Michiko to Vietnam and of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang toJapan, saying these visits would bring the bilateral ties to a new stage ofdevelopment.
He recommended the sides continue to jointly organize visitsby high-ranking officials in 2018, which marks the 45th anniversary ofthe bilateral diplomatic relations. Minh also called for boosting economics-trade-investmentcooperation, realizing high-level agreements, and supporting each other atinternational and regional forums.
For his part, Minister Nakane stated Japan is supportive ofVietnam’s sustainable development and hopes to raise its relationship withVietnam toward practical outcomes.
He thanked Vietnam’s engagement in and contributions toASEAN’s cooperation mechanisms involving Japan and in the Mekong – Japancooperation.
The minister expected Vietnam to increase its role once itbecomes the coordinator of ASEAN - Japan ties for 2018 – 2021, as well ascooperate with Japan for the success of the Mekong – Japan Summit slated forOctober this year.
He emphasized that Japan supports the stance of Vietnamand ASEAN on the East Sea issue.-VNA
VNA
