Head of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Hoang Binh Quan has stressed the need to concretise agreements and diversify the strategic partnership with Japan.

Quan made the statement at a meeting with Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Tetsuro Fukuyama during a four-day visit to Japan.

Quan expressed his hope that Japan would continue its provision of official development assistance (ODA) capital to Vietnam, considering it an important factor to carry out symbolic projects in the Vietnam-Japan relationship.

Deputy FM Fukuyama assured the guests of the steady growth of Japan-Vietnam relations, particularly in politics and economics, over recent years.

Fukuyama said he hoped both countries would closely collaborate with each other to further their bilateral ties.

He also announced that his ministry will organise visits to Vietnam by FM Katsuya Okada in July and Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in October this year.

During their meeting with the Chairman of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP), Kazuo Shii, Quang congratulated the Party on the success of its 25 th congress and Shii on his re-election as JCP chairman.

The fine ties between the countries have greatly contributed to promoting the two countries’ joint efforts and mutual support, Quan said, highlighting the JCP’s assistance to Vietnamese people during the war and its current national construction.

He also informed his host of preparations for the XIth National CPV Congress slated for January 2011.

The JCP always attaches importance to its relationship with the CPV and will do its utmost to promote the sustainable development of the two countries’ friendship, emphasised Chairman Shii.

He highlighted the renewal achievements recorded under the CPV’s leadership as well as Vietnam’s efforts to overcome the impacts of the global economic crisis.

He said he hoped both parties would further boost their cooperation in exchanging management experiences and political theory.

While in Japan from March 16-19, Quan and his entourage also met Vice Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives Seishiro Eto, Vice President of the Japanese House of Councillors Santo Akiko, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Masayuki Naoshima and senior leaders of the Japan Federation of Economic Organisation (KEIDANREN).

They also toured Fukuoka prefecture./.