Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and PM Koizumi hold talks
Ha Noi, Apr. 27 (VNA) - Prime Minister Phan Van Khai and his Japanese counterpart, Junichiro Koizumi, held talks in Ha Noi today, April 27, to discuss ways to broaden bilateral cooperation in all areas in preparation for the 30th founding anniversary of Viet Nam-Japan diplomatic ties in 2003.
The talks took place immediately after Koizumi's arrival here this afternoon for a two-day official visit to Viet Nam, the first leg of his week-long trip that also includes Australia, New Zealand and East Timor.
The two prime ministers expressed their satisfaction at the rapid and effective development of Vietnamese-Japanese relations in recent years through the regular exchange of high-level visits between the two sides.
They noted that Japan is now Viet Nam's largest trade partner, largest official development assistance (ODA) donor, and one of Viet Nam's largest investors.
The two leaders agreed to continue regular high-level contacts and exchanges to discuss important political and security issues and to accelerate talks aimed at signing an agreement on investment protection and promotion as soon as possible.
PM Khai asked Japan to hold early discussions on trade agreement, while Koizumi affirmed Japan's policy to continue providing ODA aid for Viet Nam's infrastructure construction, human resource training, poverty reduction, environmental protection and other areas.
Both sides also agreed to promote the exchange of cultural activities and work together to prepare for the 30th anniversary of Vietnamese-Japanese diplomatic ties in September of next year as part of their joint programme in the year of "Japan-ASEAN exchange".
Referring to regional and international issues, Khai and Koizumi reiterated the two countries' willingness to contribute to peace and cooperation in the Asian-Pacific region and elsewhere in the world through regional and global forums such as the UN, ASEAN, ARF, ASEM and APEC.
The two sides discussed a number of issues, one of which being measures to increase cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in the development of the Mekong sub-region and the East-West corridor.
Koizumi affirmed that Japan would continue cooperating with Viet Nam and helping it to join the World Trade Organization (WTO), informed Khai of Japan's policy as stated during his visit to Singapore in January, 2002, and expressed his government's determination to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries, including Viet Nam.
This evening, PM Khai hosted a state banquet in honour of the visiting Japanese Prime Minister, J. Koizumi and his entourage.--VNA
