Vietnamese and Japanese PMs discuss bilateral ties
VOV.VN - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on August 4 discussed ways to boost bilateral ties as well as cooperation at regional and global forums during their phone talks-the second in the past three months.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds phone talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe (Photo: VGP)
PM Phuc told Shinzo Abe that Vietnam is going ahead with a range of drastic measures to cope with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and has gradually put the epidemic under control. He thanked Japan for providing its support for the country in combating the pandemic, while asking the Japanese Government to offer continued assistance for the Vietnamese community in Japan.
PM Abe thanked the Vietnamese Government and people for providing medical masks for his nation and expressed his appreciation for the Vietnamese Government’s pandemic containment efforts.
The Vietnamese Government chief welcomed Japan’s selection of Vietnam as one of the first countries to ease travelling restrictions, adding that Vietnam is creating optimal conditions for Japanese experts, investors and managers to come to the country.
He suggested both sides should continue discussing the resumption of air services in the time to come.
The Japanese PM hailed the two nations' agreement to step-by-step resume travelling for their people and voiced his hope that the two sides will continue further expanding travelling while ensuring pandemic prevention and control.
Half of the Japanese businesses that receive support from the Government in expanding supply chains, have chosen Vietnam, and the Japanese Government will continue assisting firms in diversifying supply chains, Abe said while affirming Japan’s readiness to help Vietnam prevent drought and saltwater intrusion.
PM Phuc said the Vietnamese Government has set up a special working group on investment cooperation, which he said will offer support to Japanese enterprises to do successful business in the country.
He suggested PM Abe to incentivize Japanese firms to intensify investment in the Southeast Asian nation.
The two PMs consented to work hand in hand to carry out the Vietnam – Japan university project, and enhance regional trade and investment, including the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
They pledged to continue with mutual liaison at multilateral forums and on regional and global issues of common concern, as well as to bolster cooperation within the Mekong – Japan framework.
PM Phuc vowed to work closely with Japan to promote the universal health coverage initiative as well as Japan’s initiative to establish the ASEAN Centre for emerging diseases and public health emergencies.
Applauding Vietnam’s efforts in its role as ASEAN Chair, Abe said his nation will coordinate closely with Vietnam to successfully hold ASEAN’s related meetings. He also looked forward to visiting Vietnam to attend the ASEAN Summit and have discussions with PM Phuc.