HÀ NỘI – President Trần Đại Quang has lauded extended co-operation between Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Japan’s Kyodo News in recent years, saying it is in accordance with the Việt Nam-Japan extensive strategic partnership.

During a reception in Hà Nội yesterday for Kyodo News President and Editor-in-Chief Masaki Fukuyama, President Quang highlighted significant progress in bilateral ties in the 44 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973.

Expressing support for co-operation plans between the two news agencies, the State leader said as official news agencies of Việt Nam and Japan, VNA and Kyodo News should popularise each country’s culture, business environment and people, contributing to deepening mutual understanding and trust.

At the same time, both sides should continue providing timely, comprehensive and objective coverage of Việt Nam -Japan ties to boost the bilateral extensive strategic partnership, he said.

On the APEC Year 2017 with nearly 200 meetings and the 25th APEC High-level Week to be held in Đà Nẵng, the host said it enables the two news agencies to co-ordinate in coverage to contribute to the success of the events.

He told his guest that Việt Nam is refining mechanisms and administrative procedures, improving competitiveness and its business climate, and prioritising industrialisation and modernisation, during which, the country is ready to support foreign enterprises, including those from Japan.

Amid increasing trade protectionism, Việt Nam backs global trade liberalisation, he said, adding that countries should accelerate negotiations and signings of bilateral free trade agreements to enhance economic, trade and investment links.

On regional and global issues, he said during meetings, Vietnamese and Japanese leaders underscored the need to work together at multilateral forums to maintain peace.

Fukuyama, for his part, briefed the host of the outcomes of collaboration between VNA and Kyodo News.

He said the Japanese people as well as major corporations, groups and local companies are interested in business opportunities in Việt Nam, so Kyodo News holds an important responsibility for presenting full and accurate coverage of Việt Nam, its people, culture and business climate. —VNS