A new milestone in Vietnam-Japan relationship

The success was demonstrated in the signing of the joint statement, which showed both sides’ strong political determination to realize the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership, and various agreements concerning the building of Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant, rare earth exploitation, as well as the Movement of Natural Persons by sending Vietnamese hospital orderlies to Japan.

The two governments were committed to speeding up the implementation of strategic cooperative projects, PM Dung said.

Despite a lot of difficulties, Japan agreed to increase the official development assistance to Vietnam.

Japanese PM Noda emphasized the significance of Japan-Vietnam strategic partnership, saying Vietnam’s stable development is very important for Japan.

Vietnamese and Japanese economic groups have started to carry out cooperative projects such as the US$272 million project to build the Lach Huyen deepwater port in Haiphong, in the form of the Public-Private Partnership.

During talks, the two PMs also agreed to join efforts to double two-way trade to US$40 billion by 2020.

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung, the target to double two-way trade by 2020 is feasible on account of Japan’s great trade potential and Vietnam’s open economy.

Japan is the first G7 country which has recognized Vietnam as a full market economy, he said.

During his visit to the areas recently hit by the tsunami and earthquakes, PM Dung extended his deep sympathy and the Vietnamese people’s close solidarity with the Japanese people.

The Vietnamese government and people will do their best to help the Japanese victims of natural disasters, Mr Dung said.

The Royal family, the Diet of Japan, the Japanese government and people highly appreciated Vietnam’s sentiments and timely assistance, regarding them as a firm foundation for strengthening and consolidating the strategic partnership between the two countries.