Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (second from right) and his Japanese counterpart Suga Yoshihide with their spouses (Photo: VNA) Tokyo (VNA) - Japanese mediahas made extensive coverage of the visit by Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide toVietnam from October 18-19 at the invitationof his Vietnamese counterpart NguyenXuan Phuc.
Kyodo News on October 19 reported that at their talks in Hanoi on October 19, Suga and Phuc affirmed economic cooperation betweentheir countries as well as the importance to ensure regional security.
The Japanese news agency also noted that thetwo PMs had agreed to resume regular flights between their countries at anearly date, and to implement a "business track" that would allowexecutives and workers to travel without a 14-day quarantine period providedthey follow certain COVID-19 precautions.
PM Phuc was quoted as saying he is ready to support Japan’s investmentactivities in Vietnam, and he is hopeful that bilateral relations willstrengthen further.
According to Kyodo News, Japan is looking to diversify its supply chainsto mitigate risks brought to light by the COVID-19 crisis.
The Japanese government is handing out subsidies to firmsthat move production to Southeast Asia. Of the 30 firms chosen so far toreceive the subsidies, ranging from manufacturers of medical gowns anddisinfectant wipes to car engine parts, half are planning to set up in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, NHK Television reported that PMSuga and his Vietnamese counterpart discussed bilateral ties and regionalissues during their meeting in Hanoi on October 19,.
They also confirmed that the two sides will promote economic ties.
Amid the continuing coronavirus pandemic, they agreed to strengthen mutualsupply chains to promote a steady supply of masks and other items to Japan, resumebusiness people's short-term visits and flights between the two countries, andsupport Vietnamese students and vocational trainees struggling to make endsmeet in Japan.
Regarding East Sea-related issues, the two Government leaders reiterated theimportance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, rather than force, inorder to secure peace and stability and freedom of navigation.
In another article titled “Suga pledges to help ASEAN establish rule of law”,NKH said Suga affirms Japan will step up support for ASEAN member nations toestablish the rule of law in the region.
In his speech at the Vietnam – Japan University in Hanoi, Suga emphasized thatJapan and ASEAN can together create a peaceful and prosperous future, sayingthat Japan's initiative on a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, and ASEAN's initiative– the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, share much in common.
The PM also stressedthat Japan will promote economic cooperation with ASEAN countries, includinghelp in building high-quality infrastructure, strengthening supply chains andcreating international rules for data utilisation, NHK added.
PM Suga has selectedVietnam and Indonesia for his first trip overseas as Prime Minister of Japan,which reflects priorities in his foreign policy./.
