(VOVworld)- Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has concluded a trip to Japan to attend the expanded G7 Summit at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The trip demonstrates Vietnam’s determination to develop relations with all countries in the world and be a reliable and responsible member of the international community.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe |
This is the first time Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in his new post has led a Vietnamese delegation to attend a G7 Summit or paid an official visit to Japan. The G7 invitation acknowledges Vietnam’s rising status in the world arena.
Vietnam affirms stance on peace, stability, and sustainable development
In his speeches, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirmed Vietnam’s stance on peace, stability and sustainable development in the Asia Pacific region and the world. The Prime Minister cited increasing challenges to peace and security in the region, and especially to the safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea. Phuc said countries need to show restraint, settle disputes through peaceful means in line with international law including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, strengthen measures to build trust, and promptly finalize the Code of Conduct in the East Sea. Vietnam’s stance is supported by many other countries and international organizations. At the expanded G7 Summit, a joint statement was released that said unilateral actions in the East Sea are causing instability and tension and threatening world peace, and called on all parties to practice restraint, and use peaceful measures based on international law to settle disputes.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on G7 countries to help developing countries build infrastructure and increase connectivity to cope with climate change. Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said: “At the summit, Vietnam shared its experience and called on the international community to help Vietnam develop a sustainable infrastructure. Vietnam is being seriously affected by climate change, as evidenced by recent drought and salt intrusion. Japan and other G7 countries and international organizations including the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank have given support to developing countries like Vietnam and are helping Vietnam cope with drought and salt intrusion”.
Tightening bilateral ties
During the 3-day expanded G7 Summit, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met with a number of world leaders and affirmed the Vietnamese government’s determination to deepen its relations with other countries and international organizations. Phuc said he hopes they will help Vietnam expand its role and support its bid to become a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council in the 2020-2021 term and the UNESCO General Director in the 2017-2021 term.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s visit to Japan has enhanced the Vietnam-Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership. During the visit, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced non-refundable aid worth 2.5 million USD to help Vietnam defray losses caused by drought and salt intrusion. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said: “I appreciate Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s continued provision of ODA to support Vietnam’s socio-economic development and increasing cooperation with Vietnam to implement the 110 billion USD credit plan to improve infrastructure in Asia and the Mekong-Japan Connectivity Initiative. We are determined to effectively implement major projects. Vietnam aims to increase trade and investment cooperation with Japan, and promote joint efforts in human resource development, health care, and overcoming war aftermaths”.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam aims to create a favorable and fair investment climate for foreign investors. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s trip to Japan has strengthened Vietnam-Japan ties and demonstrated Vietnam’s sense of responsibility for global issues.