Vietnam and Japan held their first strategic partnership dialogue in Hanoi on Dec. 9.
The Vietnamese delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ho Xuan Son, while the Japanese delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Koro Bessho.
In an atmosphere of friendship, mutual trust and understanding, the two sides exchanged views on Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership, each country’s policies on external affairs, security and national defence as well as regional and international issues of common concern.
The two delegation heads agreed that in the context of rapid regional and international changes, the two countries should increase cooperation in regional and international forums.
They also agreed that the next dialogue will be held in Tokyo in 2011.
The same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem received Deputy Foreign Minister Koro Bessho.
Deputy PM Khiem spoke highly of the organization of the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership dialogue, describing it as a manifestation of mutual trust between the countries.
The outcomes of the dialogue contributed to strengthening bilateral ties in all aspects and maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large, he said.
The Deputy PM also highly valued new steps of development in the two countries’ ties, especially the Vietnam-Japan joint statement on the comprehensive development of a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia, during Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s visit to Vietnam in October.
Deputy Minister Koro Bessho affirmed that Japan wished to strengthen its strategic partnership with Vietnam and reiterated that Vietnam was Japan’s top partner in its ODA policy.
Japan also encouraged businesses to increase investment into Vietnam, he said.
The diplomat spoke highly of the result of the dialogue and expressed his admiration of Vietnam’s progress in economic development as well as the successful organisation of the recent ASEAN Summit and related summits in Hanoi./.
