Vietnamese President meet Japanese top leaders ahead of Abe Shinzo’s state funeral

Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, President of the House of Councillors Otsuji Hidehisa, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hosoda Hiroyuki as part of his trip to Tokyo for Abe Shinzo’s state funeral.

Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Speaker of the House of Representatives Hosoda Hiroyuki in Tokyo on Sept 26. Photos: VNA

The meetings highlighted the importance of bilateral relations in the development of the two countries and the region as a whole, stressing the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan in which both countries considers each other long-term strategic partners.

Japanese top leaders thank the Vietnamese leaders for sending a high-ranking delegation led by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to attend the state mourning ceremony, considering this a special gesture showing Vietnam’s affection and respect for late Prime Minister Abe and the recognition of his affection and dedication to Vietnam-Japan relations.

Phuc suggested the two sides continue to deepen cooperation in various fields to follow the will of the late PM, including more high-ranking exchange visits, and enhanced collaboration between the governments and legislative bodies of the two countries.

Phuc expected the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors to support the Japanese Government's official development assistance (ODA) for Vietnam in building an independent and self-reliant economy and promoting cooperation in trade, investment, twin-town relationship, cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

Vietnam’s President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Sept 26.

The two leaders also decided to increase their collaboration in the post-pandemic economic recovery, enhance ties between their respective economies, and create a pool of qualified labor. According to Kishida, the Japanese government is still changing its laws governing foreign workers, including those from Vietnam, and it also supports the Vietnamese population in Japan.

The two leaders also spoke about regional and global problems of mutual concern.

They agreed on the main course of action for advancing the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership, which will commemorate in 2023 the 50th anniversary of the beginning of diplomatic ties between the two countries.