President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio at the talks in Tokyo on September 26 (Photo: VNA)
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc had talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo on September 26 as part of his stay in Japan to attend the state funeral for former PM Abe Shinzo.
On behalf of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, President Phuc offered his deepest condolences to the Liberal Democratic Party, parliament, Government, and people of Japan, along with the family of Abe, who he described as a “close friend” of the Vietnamese leaders and people. He affirmed that Vietnam’s leaders and people cherish former PM Abe’s sentiment towards and significant contributions to the two countries’ friendship and cooperation.
Vietnam always treasures the extensive strategic partnership with Japan, views Japan as an important and long-term strategic partner, and supports the latter in actively contributing to regional and global peace and development, the State leader said.
PM Kishida appreciated President Phuc and other Vietnamese leaders’ messages for Japan and former PM Abe. Japan particularly respects its relations with Vietnam and highly values the Southeast Asian nation’s socio-economic achievements and growing stature and role in the region and the world, he went on.
The two leaders expressed their delight at the strong, comprehensive and substantive development of their countries’ relations. They agreed on orientations for their extensive strategic partnership as the two sides celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023.
In particular, they agreed to continue enhancing political trust through frequent mutual high-ranking visits; step up diplomatic, security, defence, and economic cooperation in an effective and substantive manner; increase people-to-people and cultural exchanges and tourism links; and coordinate to successfully organise activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.
They also agreed to strengthen collaboration in post-COVID economic recovery, while reinforcing the economies' connectivity and enhancing strategic cooperation in priority areas such as providing new-generation ODA for Vietnam, developing high-quality human resources, and assisting Vietnam in industrialising and developing an independent and self-reliant economy that strongly integrates into the global economy.
The host leader said the Japanese Government will continue easing post-entry quarantine measures for Vietnamese citizens and resume visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders. It will continue reforming regulations and policies related to foreign workers, including those of Vietnamese nationality, and creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people to live, study, and work in the country, he affirmed.
At the talks, the two leaders also discussed international and regional issues of common concern.
* On the same day, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with President of the Japanese House of Councillors Otsuji Hidehisa in Tokyo.
The meeting between Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and President of the Japanese House of Councillors Otsuji Hidehisa in Tokyo on September 26 (Photo: VNA).
the Japanese upper house’s leader shared his guest’s view on the fields needing stronger cooperation, affirming that Vietnam is an important partner for Japan, especially in terms of economy, trade and human resources.
He noted the House of Councillors will continue advocating bilateral relations, particularly in infrastructure building, ODA provision, technology transfer, farm produce trading, labour, and locality-to-locality links.
To help strengthen bilateral ties, he voiced his wish to visit Vietnam and discuss issues of multifaceted cooperation, including parliamentary ties, with the country’s leaders.
At the meeting, the two sides also agreed to maintain close cooperation in international issues and support the role and stance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), thereby contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a high-ranking Party and State delegation arrived in Tokyo on September 25 afternoon, beginning his trip to attend a state funeral for late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo from September 25-28.
The state funeral, due to take place on September 27, is the second of its kind held for a former Japanese Prime Minister since World War II, following the first for late PM Yoshida Shigeru in 1967.
About 6,000 foreign guests, including heads of state, government leaders and representatives of foreign countries, are expected to attend the event.
President Phuc is also scheduled to attend a reception for delegation heads to be hosted by the Japanese Emperor and hold talks with PM Kishida Fumio and meetings with representatives from Japan’s National Diet and localities, as well as some delegation heads.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, attended the National Funeral Ceremony of the late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, showing recognition and respect for the special affection and valuable support that the late Prime Minister has dedicated to Vietnam as well as the friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.
This is also a clear expression of the country and people of Vietnam who always respect, be faithful and affectionate with international friends./.
Long Pham T.H / Vietnam+
