Việt Nam considers Japan a prime partner: Party chief

Việt Nam always considers Japan its top, long-time partner, Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng said yesterday.

Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng (R) receives Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam Umeda Kunio in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Phương Hoa

HÀ NỘI – Việt Nam always considers Japan its top, long-time partner, Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng said yesterday.

The Parader’s remark was made while receiving newly appointed Japanese Ambassador to Việt Nam Umeda Kunio in Hà Nội. 
He congratulated the ambassador on taking office at a time when the strategic partnership between both countries was thriving. 
Trọng said he believed that the diplomat, with his experience, would make active contributions to deepening the relationship during his tenure. 
Expressing pleasure with the robust growth of bilateral ties since the Joint Vision Statement on Việt Nam-Japan Relations was issued in September 2015, Trọng stressed the importance of increasing high-level exchanges and meetings to cement political trust and pragmatic co-operation in all fields. 
He welcomed upcoming visits to Việt Nam by Japanese leaders, including the Emperor and Empress. 
The Parader also expected Japan to continue supporting Việt Nam in its development process. 
For his part, Kunio noted that the Japanese Government pays due attention to boosting comprehensive collaboration with Việt Nam, particularly via high-ranking delegation exchanges. 
The diplomat said he will do his utmost to stimulate the growth of Việt Nam-Japan relations in line with the Joint Vision Statement, firstly by working with Vietnamese agencies in organising Japanese leaders’ upcoming Việt Nam visits. 
He requested support from the Vietnamese Party and State to accomplish his missions during  his tenure in the country. — VNS