State, Gov’t leaders assure Koizumi of stronger ties with Japan

(20-11-2007) State and government leaders of Viet Nam have affirmed the country’s consistent policy to attach great importance to developing friendly and cooperative relations with Japan .

President Nguyen Minh Triet, PM Nguyen Tan Dung and former PM Phan Van Khai made the statement at their separate meetings with former Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro, who is on a visit to Viet Nam from November 14-16.

They spoke highly of the Japanese Government’s cooperation in socio-economic infrastructure development, particularly in carrying out three major projects of the North-South hi-speed railway, North-South expressway and Hoa Lac hi-tech zone.

The hosts also appreciated Koizumi’s contributions to beefing up the friendship and cooperation between Viet Nam and Japan , creating a firm foundation for new steps in the bilateral relations towards a strategic partnership.

Former PM Koizumi thanked the Vietnamese Government for the invitation to visit Viet Nam and expressed his delight at rapid developments in Japan-Viet Nam friendly and cooperative ties.

He said Japan values Viet Nam ’s position in the region and the world and pledged to join the Japanese Government’s efforts to boost cooperation with and assist Viet Nam in socio-economic development.

During his visit, the former Japanese PM called at several historical sites in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City and the Thanh Tri bridge that was built with Japan ’s official development assistance (ODA) capital.