Prime Minister hosts Secretary General of Japan's National Security Secretariat

The Government leader reiterated that Japan is a top priority in Viet Nam's foreign policy, adding that Viet Nam considers Japan as a long-term, trustworthy startegic partner.

Pham affirmed Viet Nam advocates and expects Japan to uphold its role and make increasingly positive contributions in the region and the world as the Northeast Asian nation is undertaking the roles as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in the 2023-2024 tenure and the G7 Presidency, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development. 

Given the fast, complicated and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, the Prime Minister called on the two countries to reinforce their relations, effectively promote the efficiency of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and work more closely together over strategic issues in the region. 

The two sides need to coordinate well in organizing major events to mark the 50^th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties and deepen the extensive strategic partnership, Pham suggested. 

He asked both countries to continue concretizing the common perceptions reached by the sides' leaders; further foster cooperation in fields of economics, trade and investment, and strategic infrastructure development; soon implement new-generation official development assistance; and boost cooperation innovation, digital transformation, green conversion, digital transformation and climate change response. 

Both sides should increase exchanges and share strategic viewpoints on regional and international situation, support each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms, and work together in spurring economic linkages and free trade in the region, the Vietnamese Government chief said.

Akiba Takeo, for his part, reiterated that Japan wishes to strengthen relations with Viet Nam, expressing his belief that Viet Nam would further improve its international status and prestige, and play a more important role in the global supply chain. 

The host and the guest underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law, solidarity, multilateralism in international relations for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world while ensuring security, safety and freedom of aviation and navigation at sea and settling disputes via peaceful means in line with international law./.