Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe talked over the phone on August 1, discussing measures to strengthen bilateral ties.

During the phone talks, PM Dung congratulated Shinzo Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on their win in Japan ’s recent Upper House election, saying that the result reflects the advocacy and confidence of the Japanese people in PM Abe and his Government.

The Japanese PM affirmed that his Government always attaches special attention to the relationship with Vietnam , which is considered a reliable partner in the region.

The two Government leaders affirmed to continue working closely to lift the Vietnam-Japan Strategic Partnership to a new height, for the interests of the two peoples, and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world.

They agreed to maintain regular visits and exchanges of the two countries’ high-ranking leaders as well as effectively implement dialogue mechanisms on specific cooperation fields.

They will also direct relevant agencies to focus the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee’s upcoming meeting discussions on strengthening coordination to effectively implement reached agreements, particularly in economics, trade and investment and official development assistance (ODA)

The two PMs agreed to continue instructing the organisation of activities celebrating the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year 2013 on the occasion of the 40 th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, thus contributing to intensifying the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples as a firm foundation for the two nations’ fine cooperation.

They also exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern and agreed to promote cooperation between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).-VNA