(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh spoke highly at the International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC) of Japan’s interest in Vietnam and its substantial contributions to the development of bilateral relations.
 PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Matsuzawa Ken, President of the International Friendship Exchange Council of Japan, December 18, 2023. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
Mr. Chinh attended a working breakfast with FEC President Ken Matsuzawa and Council members in Tokyo on Monday, during his trip to Japan to attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
He asked the FEC to continue to support economic cooperation, foster cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and help Vietnamese people who live, study, or work in Japan.
 Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has a working breakfast with FEC President Ken Matsuzawa and its members in Tokyo on December 18, 2023. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
Mr. Matsuzawa said that Vietnam plays a significant role and holds a crucial position in politics, economics, and diplomacy in the region, and has garnered greater attention from the international community.
He highlighted the important achievements of Vietnam-Japan relations over the five decades since the two established diplomatic ties.
 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency Tanaka Akihiko. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
Receiving President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tanaka Akihiko the same day, PM Chinh thanked JICA for coordinating with Vietnam in obtaining a new-generation ODA loan of 352 million USD, making Japan the number one provider of ODA to Vietnam.
Mr. Chinh asked that JICA coordinate more closely with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities to turn the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” into specific programs and projects with detailed roadmaps.
Echoing PM Chinh’s proposals, Mr. Akihiko said JICA will closely coordinate with Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities to pursue the priorities mentioned by the PM.
He hoped for Vietnam's collaboration in jointly addressing any obstacles that may arise during project implementation.