Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Hiroshi Fukada in Hanoi on June 26, on the threshold of his working visit to Japan to attend the 7th Mekong–Japan Summit.

During the reception, the PM thanked his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe’s invitation to attend the summit, highlighting that the event is of great importance for both Japan and Mekong countries while reflecting the increasing position played by Japan in the region.

Vietnam attaches special importance to the Summit and believes that the event will open up new opportunities and potential for cooperation between Japan and Mekong Sub-region countries, he said.

PM Dung affirmed that Vietnam wants to work closer with Japan to effectively implement agreements reached by the two Governments, for long-lasting and sustainable cooperation between the two nations.

He said he expects to discuss both bilateral relations and regional and international issues of mutual concern during talks with PM Shinzo Abe.

For his part, Ambassador Hiroshi said the Japanese PM is looking forward to PM Dung’s presence at the Mekong-Japan Summit and the scheduled bilateral talks.

He informed the host about Japan’s preparations for the summit as well as for bilateral meetings between PM Dung and Japanese leaders early next month.-VNA