Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� April, 2002

Japan - Viet Nam Summit Meeting Saturday, April 27, 2002 Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi departed for a visit to several Asia-Pacific countries. Upon arriving in the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the first leg of the visit, in the afternoon Prime Minister Koizumi attended a welcome ceremony at the Presidential Palace, after which he went on to hold a Summit Meeting with Prime Minister Phan Van Khai at the Prime Minister's Residence. At the meeting a wide range of issues were discussed, from economic cooperation to the strengthening of political relations. Prime Minister Koizumi explained the proposal for a Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership he had made on the occasion of his visit to the Republic of Singapore in January, for which Prime Minister Khai expressed his full support. In addition, in order to give shape to this proposal, the two leaders agreed to work toward the signing of a Japan-Viet Nam Investment Agreement before the end of the year. After the meeting, Prime Minister Koizumi also held talks with Secretary General of the Viet Nam Communist Party Nong Doc Manh. In addition to highly evaluating the doi moi (reform) policy being advanced by the Government of Viet Nam, Prime Minister Koizumi invited Secretary General Manh to make an official visit to Japan.