Vietnam always attaches much importance to developing comprehensive friendship and cooperative relations with Japan and considers it one of top priorities in its foreign policies.

The statement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a reception for Kawai Katsuyuki, former chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Japan’s House of Representatives, in Hanoi on January 16.

Phuc emphasised that the two countries have witnessed strong progress in bilateral relationship and in March 2014, decided to lift it into deep and extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.

He thanked Japan’s ODA for helping Vietnam develop infrastructure, cope with climate change and accelerate administration reform and poverty reduction and said that Vietnam commits to use it effectively.

He urged leaders of Japan’s House of Councillors and House of Representatives to maintain ODA for Vietnam and help train high-qualified human resources. He hoped the two sides will strengthen cooperation at regional and international forums and people-to-people exchange, especially between the younger generations.

For his part, Katsuyuki expressed his desire that the two countries will continue boosting cooperation in economics, trade, investment, people-to-people exchange and mutual understanding for mutual benefits.

VNA