Deputy PM meets Japanese, Lao leaders on Future of Asia Conference sidelines

Meeting with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh congratulated the Japanese people on the coronation of Emperor Naruhito, which marked the beginning of the Reiwa era.

He showed his elation at comprehensively and sustainably developing extensive strategic partnership between the two nations with high political trust and affirmed that Vietnam always regards Japan as a leading and long-term partner.

In reply, PM Abe hailed the outcomes of the 11th meeting of the bilateral Cooperation Committee, stating that his country also sees Vietnam as an important partner in the region and will continue offering support for its development.

He was also appreciative of Vietnam’s contributions to the organisation of the second summit between the US and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Hanoi last February.

The implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), to which both sides are parties, will incentivize more Japanese businesses to invest in Vietnam, he said.

Both host and guest concurred to boost closer coordination for the success of the G20 Summit scheduled set to take place in Osaka this June.

Meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Tadamori Oshima and Speaker of the House of Councillors Chuichi Date of Japan, the Vietnamese Deputy PM and Foreign Minister called for their continued support for stronger cooperation between the countries’ parliaments, especially between young legislators.

He asked the Japanese Diet to support the Japanese government in fostering ties with Vietnam, encourage their country’s enterprises to intensify investment and business activities in the Southeast Asian nation, and offer more favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community there.

Tadamori Oshima applauded the growth of bilateral relations while greatly valuing Vietnam’s stature and recent diplomatic achievements. He promised to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between the two legislatures and provide optimal conditions for Vietnamese people to work and study in Japan.

Meanwhile, Speaker Chuichi Date noted with pleasure that Japan has been the top investor in Vietnam for two straight years and pledged his greater support for the two legislatures to reinforce ties, especially between young lawmakers, and encourage more Japanese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam.

Talking to President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Shinichi Kitaoka, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Minh expressed his appreciation for Japan’s official development assistance (ODA), which has remarkably contributed to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

He asked Japan to continue the provision of ODA for the fields Vietnam has demand for.

The JICA leader described Vietnam as a leading partner of his agency for continued cooperation in order to implement ODA projects effectively in the country.

Meeting with Lao PM Thongloun Sisoulith, Minh praised the strong development of the two countries’ traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

Thongloun Sisoulith congratulated Vietnam on its diplomatic and socio-economic achievements while expressing his hope that ministries and sectors will intensify experience sharing.

Both sides also briefed each other on the current affairs in their respective nations and discussed ways to beef up cooperation across a variety of fields.