Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) receives visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Gemba Koichiro, Hanoi, July 14, 2012  – Photo: VNA

The Party leader affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to consolidating and enhancing the strategic partnership with Japan, expanding cooperation and exchanges for benefits of the two peoples, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong said that he highly appreciates Japan’s continued provision of ODA to Vietnam, and that Vietnam pledges to use the funding most effectively.

He suggest the two countries closely work together to organise the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Year in 2013 when they will celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Mr. Koichiro said Japanese people and firms want to strengthen relations with Vietnamese counterparts.

The top Japanese diplomat proposed the two sides strengthen exchanges of high-ranking delegations, coordination at regional and international forums.