Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung (centre, left) and Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga at their meeting in Tokyo. 

The consensus was reached during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo on November 16. 

Immediately, they consented to closely coordinate with each other in preparation for the upcoming visit to Vietnam by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko slated for the spring of 2017 as well as the official visit to Japan by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in early 2017.

The two sides noted with pleasure the strong and pragmatic development of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership over the years, especially in the field of economy. 

Deputy PM Dung affirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of regarding Japan as its leading and long-term partner. 

The Vietnamese Government and people always wish to boost the bilateral relationship for the interests of both nations and their people, and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region. 

He thanked the Japanese Government and people for their official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, helping the country with socio-economic development and poverty development over the years. 

Vietnam and Japan hold substantial potential for cooperation, he said, suggesting Japan continue supporting Vietnam in economy, energy, human resources development, climate change response and poverty reduction; increase its direct investments in Vietnam and help the country implement key infrastructure projects. 

Suga stressed the importance of the bilateral extensive strategic partnership, saying he wishes to step up the ties in a more comprehensive manner. 

Japan stands ready to join hands with Vietnam in high-quality infrastructure development, energy, human resources development, railway projects, coal thermoelectricity and airport construction, he stated.-VNA