Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (third from left) at a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (third from right) on October 9, 2018 (Photo: Quang Hieu/VGP)

The leaders agreed to upgrade cooperation between the 5 Mekong countries and Japan to a Strategic Partnership through the Tokyo Strategy 2018 for the next 3 years. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said the upgrade shows that all parties have a common desire to promote a comprehensive socio-economic development strategy linking Japan and Mekong countries despite rising protectionism and trade tensions.

PM Phuc and PM Abe agreed on important economic issues, particularly in support industries, energy, high-tech agriculture, and high-quality infrastructure. Mr. Abe said Japan will continue its ODA support, boost its investment in Vietnam, and help Vietnam in building e-government and in administrative reform. Both leaders pledged their efforts to make the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership to take effect soon and speed up negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.