Vietnam is a very important nation in Asia which is expected to achieve high growth in the coming years, Naoko told a VOV correspondent in Tokyo.

Japan is looking forward to the visit in the hope that the two countries’ leaders will have positive and specific discussions on issues of mutual concern in order to further develop economic ties and increase cooperation at regional and international forums for the sake of peace and stability in Asia and the Pacific, said the diplomat.

She said high-level talks between the two PMs scheduled for October 31 will focus on bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy, exploitation of rare earth and Japan’s reception of Vietnamese nurses.

Meanwhile, Mainichi Daily, a leading newspaper in Japan, reported that both PMs Yoshihiko Noda and Nguyen Tan Dung will review implementation of key projects stated in the 2010 Vietnam-Japan Joint Statement during former PM Naoto Kan’s visit to Vietnam last year. It said the leaders will discuss ways to speed up these projects.

Vietnam has selected Japan as a key partner for building two nuclear reactors and exploiting rare earth in the country.

According to Mainichi Daily, PM Dung is scheduled to visit the areas which were badly affected by a powerful earthquake and tsunamis on March 11.

Asahi Shimbun, another big Japanese newspaper, reported that during the visit, Japan and Vietnam could reach an agreement under which the former will grant new loans to the latter to complete infrastructure at Hoa Lac hi-tech park in Hanoi. 

Nikkei, Japan’s largest economic newspaper, said Japan has selected Vietnam as a new partner for receiving its nurses to ease the shortage of medical staff in the country.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Jiji news agency reported that during their talks PMs Noda and Dung are likely to touch upon the issue of marine security which is the major theme of the upcoming East Asia Summit.