Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on the Japanese Government to provide long-term support for Vietnam in adapting to climate change, especially drought and saline intrusion.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida

During his reception for Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Hanoi on May 5, the Vietnamese leader affirmed that in its foreign policy, Vietnam continues to consider Japan as a close long-term strategic partner. 

The PM suggested the two countries further enhance cooperation towards advancing signed agreements, focusing on those to strengthen economic links. He also called for the highest possible ODA assistance and other supports from the Japanese Government, for Vietnam to realise its industralisation target, build high-quality infrastructure works, promote its economic restructuring and train human resources. 

The two countries should boost the exchange of high-level visits and meetings, and effectively implement bilateral dialogue mechanisms in the coming time, Phuc added.

He said he hopes Japan will make more effort to ensure security, safety, aviation and navigation freedom, and peacefully resolve disputes in the East Sea in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. 

PM Phuc took the occasion to convey his invitation to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe to visit Vietnam by the end of this year. He extended his condolences to the Japanese people in Kumamoto prefecture over the losses caused by the massive earthquakes in the locality last month. 

For his part, Fumio Kishida affirmed that his country always attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam. 

He congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 12th National Party Congress and PM Phuc on his election as the leader of the Vietnamese Government.