Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is on a State visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc from October 18-20.

PM Phuc and his Japanese counterpart Suga Yoshihide step to the speakers’ podium before the national anthems of the two countries are played.

The two government leaders inspect the guards of honour.

This is Suga’s first overseas trip after he takes office a month ago to replace his predecessor Abe Shinzo who steps down due to health reasons.

Vietnam and Japan establish diplomatic ties in 1973, and both countries lift their ties to the extensive strategic partnership in 2014.

Both PMs hold talks after the welcome ceremony.

The two leaders discuss a range of trade and investment promotion measures and offer mutual support for COVID-19 pandemic fight.

During the trip, Japanese PM Suga Yoshihide is scheduled to meet with other high-ranking Vietnamese leaders including Party leader and President Nguyen Phu Trong, and National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.