Monday, April 20, 2009

The Prime Minister Meets with His Excellency Mr. Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam

Prime Minister Taro Aso welcomed to the Prime Minister's Office His Excellency Mr. Nong Duc Manh, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, who was on his Official Visit to Japan, and held a welcome ceremony in the South Garden.

Later, Prime Minister Aso and General Secretary Manh held talks to exchange views on various themes. During the talk, the Prime Minister and the General Secretary agreed to join hands together to develop the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia, which Japan and Viet Nam had constructed by advancing their bilateral relations in a wide range of areas.

Prime Minister Aso explained Japan's contributions, which were originally to be announced on the occasion of the ASEAN-related summit meetings, to support Asian countries' initiatives, beginning with Official Development Assistance (ODA) of up to 2 trillion yen (approximately 20 billion dollars). General Secretary Manh stated that Viet Nam welcomed Japan's cooperation to Asia.

On the issue of North Korea, Prime Minister Aso stated that he intended to cooperate with Viet Nam in complying with the Statement by the President of the United Nations Security Council concerning the recent missile launch by North Korea. The Prime Minister also requested the understanding and cooperation of Viet Nam with regard to Japan's position on the abduction issue. In response, General Secretary Manh stated that Viet Nam intended to cooperate with countries concerned including Japan, that he hoped for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks, and that he understood the Japanese people's feelings toward the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals.

After the talks, the two countries announced the Japan-Viet Nam Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia. Prime Minister Aso and General Secretary Manh thereafter held the joint press announcement. Prime Minister Aso said, "I am convinced that the strategic partnership between our countries will further develop wider and deeper upon General Secretary Manh's visit to Japan, which will leave a significant mark on the history of our bilateral relations."

Related Link

• Japan-Viet Nam Joint Statement on the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
• Japan-Viet Nam Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)