Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu. (Photo: Tuan Anh)

Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh released the news at a press briefing following his talks with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu in Ha Noi on Monday.

At the talks, both sides agreed to foster political trust through enhancing visits and contacts, especially high-level ones, as well as bilateral dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, according to Minh.

He said Vietnam extended invitation to Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and Foreign Minister to visit Vietnam and attend ASEAN meetings in Vietnam this year.

Both sides also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in such fields like investment, trade, human resource development, labor and climate change adaptation among others.

Minh took the occasion to ask the Japanese Government to simplify procedures for granting visa to Vietnamese citizens.

The two sides agreed to step up coordination at multilateral forums and international economic linkages, including effective implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and prompt signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu co-chair press briefing following their talks in Ha Noi on January 6, 2020. (Photo: VGP)

The Japanese side vowed to coordinate closely with Vietnam as the latter assumes the role as ASEAN Chairmanship and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the tenure 2020-2021, according to Deputy PM, FM Minh.

Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides agreed on the importance of ensuring peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation as well as observation of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention the Law of the Sea.

Speaking at the press briefing, Toshimitsu affirmed Japan pledges to fully support and enhance cooperation with Vietnam as the latter undertakes the role as the ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the United Nations Security.

Japan also commits to supporting Vietnam’s development process through specific projects, Toshimitsu said.