VietNamNet Bridge – Strengthening cooperation with key partners and neighboring countries and sharing success stories at international forums are among the key features of diplomatic activities in September.

New vision for VN–Japan relations

The official visit to Japan by Vietnamese Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong from September 15-18 would open up a new vision for the development of the two countries’ relations.

The official welcoming ceremony for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is held solemnly at the Akasaka Palace, Tokyo – Photo: Tri Dung/VNA

During the visit, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to provide ¥100 billion in official development assistance for Viet Nam’s North-South road and port projects.

The two countries also agreed to foster defense exchanges at all levels. Prime Minister Abe affirmed that Japan stands ready to help Viet Nam enhance maritime law enforcement capacity and join the UN peacekeeping operations.

The leaders agreed to continue close coordination at ASEAN and East Asia summits and other multilateral forums and as well as cooperation on the negotiations and enforcement of regional free trade agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Both sides shared their concern over the recent complicated developments in the East Sea while emphasizing the importance of abiding by international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards the formulation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea.

For stable, healthy relations with China

State President Truong Tan Sang proposed Viet Nam and China control disputes and avoid actions that complicate the situations, work together to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea while meeting with Chinese Party General Secretary and State President Xi Jinping in Beijing on September 3.

He suggested the two countries control disputes, avoid actions that complicate or expand conflicts, work together to maintain peace and stability in the East Sea and speed up cooperation projects in accordance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).

Viet Nam always attaches importance to the stable, healthy, and long-lasting relations with the Party, State and people of China, hoping to shake hands with the neighboring country to promote the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two sides, State President Sang said.

Deputy PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc also said Viet Nam expects to work with China for the substantial development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with China during his talks with Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli in Beijing on Tuesday.

Deputy Prime Minister Phuc stressed that issues related to sovereignty and national interests are sacred and senior leaders of the two countries had reached common perceptions on the issues, including working together to manage sea disputes, not taking any actions that could complicate or worsen disputes and maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea for peace, stability and development in the region in line with international law – particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Active participation in multilateral forums

State President Truong Tan Sang will attend the United Nations Summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda in New York, the U.S. from September 24-28 at the invitation of the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Speaking at the Summit, State President Sang emphasized three key points to ensure successful realization of the UN led sustainable development goals.

He said that only by ensuring peace and stability can we pool adequate resources and foster the necessary partnerships for SDG implementation.

The realization of the 2030 Agenda requires strong political will and full and effective mobilization of domestic resources and it is imperative to strengthen the global partnership for sustainable development, stressed State President Sang.

On the occasion, State President Truong Tan Sang also shared Viet Nam’s experiences of sustainable rural and community development and poverty reduction UN high level dialogues in New York.

He also took the occasion to attend policy dialogue Asia Society, Viet Nam-U.S. dialogue, meet with the U.S. officials.

Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh, who accompanied State President to attend the UN Summit, also had bilateral meetings with FMs of Estonia, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark, Cameroon, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Following the UN Summit, State President Sang paid an official visit to Cuba to promote the bilateral ties.

Earlier, NA Chairman led a delegation to attend the 4th World Conference of Parliament Speakers in New York and pay an official visit to the U.S. from August 31 to September 9.

During the stay in New York, NA Chairman Hung attended the conference’s opening ceremony and delivered an important speech affirming the Viet Nam NA’s pro-active and responsible participation in realizing the sustainable development goals.

Visiting the U.S. NA Chairman Hung had separate meetings with President Pro Tempore of the US Senate Patrick Leahy, Senator John McCain, and Secretary of State John Kerry  on early September 10 (Viet Nam time), saying that Viet Nam treasures ties with the US.

VGP