National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung received the President of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Tanigaki Sadakazu in Hanoi on Jan. 9.

Chairman Hung welcomed Sadakazu’s visit to Vietnam , saying the visit will contribute to promoting the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

He thanked the LDP President for his efforts in strengthening relations between the two countries and the two parliaments and affirmed that Vietnam considers Japan one of its leading priorities in the country’s external policy.

Hung said he is delighted at recent developments in the relations between the two countries and the two legislatures.

He said he wants the two sides to increase cooperative programmes and projects to match the strategic partnership.

Regarding ties between the legislative bodies, he said both are increasing cooperation at bilateral and multilateral forums in order to promote cooperation in trade, investment and science and technology.

Hung asked the two countries to further enhance cooperation in health care, education and cultural exchange.

The Chairman said he agrees on the two sides enhancing cooperation on defence and security to maintain peace in the region and the world.

Tanigaki Sadakazu said he hopes the two legislative bodies will continue boosting exchanges among leaders as well as parliamentarians.

He took this opportunity to thank the National Assembly and people of Vietnam for their support and help to Japan following the recent earthquake and tsunami disaster.

The LDP President said Japan always places importance on economic cooperation with Vietnam .

More than 1,000 Japanese businesses are operating in Vietnam , he said, adding that the number is expected to increase in the future.

He said he wants the two countries to increase comprehensive cooperation, especially in economics, politics, diplomacy, security and defence.

The same day, Prime Minister Dung received the LDP President, praising the Japanese Government and political parties for supporting measures to boost the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

PM Dung also thanked Japan for its effective official development assistance to Vietnam .

For his part, Sadakazu stated that potential for cooperation between Japan and Vietnam is great, so the two countries should ensure effective measures to tap this potential for common benefits and development.

Also the same day, To Huy Rua, Politburo member and Secretary of the Party Central Committee, met with LDP President Tanigaki Sadakazu./.