Vietnamese, Japanese PMs discuss bilateral ties over phone call

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe have agreed to continue working closely together and will direct the relevant ministries and sectors to implement the agreements reached by the senior leaders of the two countries, aiming to further deepen the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds a phone call with his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe. (Photo: VGP)

During their phone call, the two PMs expressed their delight at the strong development of the Vietnam-Japan relations across all spheres throughout 2017, especially the close exchange and contact between the two countries’ senior leaders, including the maiden State visit to Vietnam made by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko in February, PM Abe’s visits to Vietnam in January and November, and PM Phuc’s official visit to Japan in June.

PM Abe thanked his Vietnamese counterpart for the warm welcome during his trip to Quang Nam province’s Hoi An Ancient Town on the occasion of his participation in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in November 2017.

Both sides agreed to facilitate the exchange of high-level delegations, boost their defence and security cooperation, strengthen Japan’s investment in Vietnam, implement cooperation programmes and projects in an effective and substantive fashion, and to work closely together to organise activities in celebration of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties in 2018.

During their phone call, the two PMs also discussed a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern. PM Shinzo Abe congratulated Vietnam on the success of the recent APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang city, whilst highly appreciating Vietnam’s role in successfully hosting the event.

In regards to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the two sides agreed to continue working closely together and facilitate the prompt finalisation of negotiations and the signing of a comprehensive, high-standard and balanced agreement.

(Source: NDO)