Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng at the press conference held on Thursday in Hà Nội. — VNS Photo Trọng Kiên

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to visit Japan and attend the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, and conduct bilateral activities in Japan from December 15-18.

The visit is made at the invitation of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, according to the statement from the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Phạm Thu Hằng on Thursday during the press conference in Hà Nội.

For 50 years, relations between ASEAN and Japan have been growing in a comprehensive manner across the board in politics, security, ties, trade, investment, culture and society, as well as development cooperation, Hằng said.

The commemorative summit is to be held immediately following ASEAN and Japan’s establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and is an occasion for senior leaders from both sides to assess cooperation results, set up directions and vision for further development, in line with their potential and within the framework of the newly set up Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the spokesperson noted.

During the visit, PM Chính will attend the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC), chaired by Japanese PM Kishida Fumio, which is aimed at promoting decarbonisation, ensuring energy security and sustainable development.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

With regard to Japan-Việt Nam relations, spokesperson Hằng stated that the bilateral ties have recently achieved strong development across the board, with enhanced exchanges of delegations and engagements at all levels, especially among the senior leaders of the two countries.

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Việt Nam-Japan relations, with a series of activities being held to celebrate this milestone since the beginning of the year.

During President Võ Văn Thưởng's November visit to Japan, the two countries upgraded relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia.

Economic cooperation continues to be the main pillar in bilateral relations between Việt Nam and Japan, and Japan has continued to be an important partner in terms of economic trade and investment cooperation with Việt Nam.

Also during the trip, PM Chính will have talks with Japanese senior leaders, deliver a speech at the roundtable with Japanese businesses and the Việt Nam-Japan business forum, as well as have meetings with heads of leading businesses and economic groups in Japan, according to the diplomat. — VNS