Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc held phone talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Monday, during which they exchanged views on efforts to fight COVID-19 pandemic in their respective countries, and agreed to work together to overcome the pandemic.

PM Phúc said that with determination, strong policies and the people's support, Việt Nam has basically controlled COVID-19 and gradually normalised socio-economic activities.

He thanked the Japanese government for providing Việt Nam with more than US$1.8 million through international organisations to combat the pandemic. He also announced that Việt Nam decided to aid Japan’s coronavirus fight with 140,000 medical masks.

Prime Minister Abe spoke highly of Việt Nam's effective COVID-19 response measures. He expressed his thanks to the Government and people of Việt Nam for providing medical supplies to Japan.

The two sides agreed to continue to care for and ensure the safety of each other's citizens during the COVID-19 outbreak. PM Abe announced that the Japanese government has decided to provide 100,000 Japanese yen ($935) per person for not only Japanese but also Vietnamese citizens living and working in Japan.

The two leaders agreed to increase exchanges and co-operation in all areas and encourage and support Japanese enterprises to increase investment in Việt Nam. Prime Minister Abe said Japan will deliver the second aid package to help Việt Nam deal with the pandemic and promote economic growth.

The two leaders agreed on continued close co-operation at regional and international forums.

PM Phúc appreciated Japan's initiatives launched at the Special ASEAN Plus Three Summit held on April 14 on the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for Infectious Diseases and concessional loans for small- and medium-sized enterprises in the region. He asked Japan to assist the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund and regional reserves of medical supplies.

Prime Minister Abe highly valued Việt Nam's important role as the ASEAN Chair 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2020-21 term.  — VNS