Party, State leaders greet Japanese PM

The CPV leader made the statement while receiving  Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who arrived in Hanoi on January 16 for a two-day official visit.

Trong hailed Abe’s first foreign visit to Vietnam since he took office and suggested the Japanese Government and people further assist the country in its economic restructuring and growth model renewal process.

He also called on the two countries to work close together to hold the Vietnam–Japan Friendship Year marking 40 years of bilateral diplomatic ties this year.

Abe pledged to enhance bilateral ties, adding that the Japanese Government will work with Vietnam to effectively implement high-level agreements so as to further improve the Japan–Vietnam strategic partnership.

He expressed his wish for enhanced cooperation between the two sides for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world. 

While welcoming Abe the same day, President Truong Tan Sang said the biggest success in bilateral diplomatic ties is a political trust, which makes it easier for the two countries to implement economic and social cooperation agreements. 

Sang also thanked Japan for assisting Vietnam’s socio-economic development through the provision of official development assistance despite its existing difficulties. He suggested the two countries actively maintain the exchange of high-ranking delegations. 

He also highly valued Japan’s stance on settling the East Sea issue, adding that Vietnam has many times voiced its viewpoint on handling disputes among regional countries that is in line with international law, for peace, stability and development. 

The President also conveyed his invitation to Japanese Emperor to visit Vietnam on the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year. 

Abe said on the basis of the traditional ties, Japan and Vietnam need to actively work, share and reach a consensus on dealing with regional and international issues. 

The Japanese PM said he believes Vietnam will support Japan’s stance at regional and international forums. 

For economic development in a new situation, ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam need to enhance cooperation programmes with Japan, Abe said. 

He also pledged to do his all-out efforts to ever strengthen the two countries’ relations during his term of office.