HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam still considers Japan its close, long-term partner on foreign policy, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said while receiving Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida yesterday.

He proposed Japan continue providing ODA to Việt Nam in the fiscal year of 2016, along with supporting the country in its industrialisation process, high-quality infrastructure construction, economic restructuring and high-quality human resource training.

The Prime Minister also suggested Japan provide long-term assistance for Việt Nam in adapting to climate change issues - particularly drought and salt water intrusion.

He also urged Việt Nam and Japan to co-operate to implement signed agreements, connecting their economies at the central and local level.

He said the two countries should increase delegation visits and effectively implement dialogue mechanisms.

Phúc said he hoped Japan would continue striving for the common goal of ensuring security, maritime and aviation safety, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the East Sea in line with international laws, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

For his part, Japanese Minister Kishida affirmed that Japan attaches importance to relations with Việt Nam. He congratulated Việt Nam on the success of its 12th National Party Congress.

Foreign ministers talk

On the same day, Japanese Minister Kishida held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh.

The two sides expressed delight at stronger and more comprehensive development of the strategic partnership between Việt Nam and Japan.

They discussed measures to continue implementing results of the official visit to Japan by Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng last September. They also discussed making preparations for Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc to attend the expanded G7 Summit in Japan scheduled for later this month, and to hold talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

The two sides agreed to enhance political trust by keeping up with regular visits and dialogues, and upholding existing dialogue mechanisms.

The two sides discussed regional and international issues of common concerns and agreed to enhance co-operation at multilateral forums.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides agreed on the need to ensure peace and security in adherence with international law. — VNS