Prime Minister asks Japan to relax visa rules for Vietnamese

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) shakes hand with Toshihiro Nikai, General Secretary of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and President of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Union. (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked that Japan relax visa rules and move towards visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens travelling to Japan for tourism and study purposes.

The PM made the request during his reception for Toshihiro Nikai, General Secretary of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and President of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Union, who is on a visit to Vietnam.

He said Vietnam welcomes and is considering Japan’s proposal on establishing a representative office of its Tourism Promotion Agency in the country.

PM Phuc also expressed hope for stronger tourism cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

He praised the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Union’s contribution to promoting bilateral ties between the two countries, and urged the two legislative bodies to boost exchanges of high-level delegations and cooperation.

He wished the LDP and Japanese parliamentarians would help in persuading the Japanese government to maintain ODA provision to Vietnam.

On his part, Nikai said the Japan-Vietnam parliamentary friendship union and its Vietnamese counterpart both play an important role in promoting cooperation between the two countries and affirmed he will do all he can to develop the relationship.

Nikai said that he will convey the PM’s recommendations to relevant government agencies to find solutions for implementation as soon as possible.

He also affirmed that Japan is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in all fields.-VNA