At a reception for visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Kazuyuki Nakane in Hanoi, Minh also said he expects the sides to continue their effective implementation of projects funded with the ODA.

He expressed his delight at the strong growth of the Vietnam – Japan extensive strategic partnership, particularly in exchanges of high-ranking leaders.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and visiting State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Kazuyuki Nakane

Minh mentioned official trips of Japanese Emperor Akihitio and Empress Michiko to Vietnam and of Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang to Japan, saying these visits would bring the bilateral ties to a new stage of development.

He recommended the sides continue to jointly organize visits by high-ranking officials in 2018, which marks the 45th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations. Minh also called for boosting economics-trade-investment cooperation, realizing high-level agreements, and supporting each other at international and regional forums.

For his part, Minister Nakane stated Japan is supportive of Vietnam’s sustainable development and hopes to raise its relationship with Vietnam toward practical outcomes.

He thanked Vietnam’s engagement in and contributions to ASEAN’s cooperation mechanisms involving Japan and in the Mekong – Japan cooperation.

The minister expected Vietnam to increase its role once it becomes the coordinator of ASEAN - Japan ties for 2018 – 2021, as well as cooperate with Japan for the success of the Mekong – Japan Summit slated for October this year.

He emphasized that Japan supports the stance of Vietnam and ASEAN on the East Sea (South China Sea) issue.

Source: VNA