APEC 2017: Deputy PM Minh meets Japanese FM and WEF Director

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh held separate meetings with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Philipp Roesler in the central city of Da Nang on November 7 within the framework of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) ​and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono (Source: VNA)
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) ​and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono (Source: VNA)

In the meeting with the Japanese FM, the two officials expressed their delight at the fast and practical development of the Vietnam – Japan strategic partnership over the past years, pledging to coordinate closely together to successfully organise the activities to mark the 45th founding anniversary of Vietnam – Japan diplomatic ties in 2018.

Minh thanked the Government of Japan for providing urgent aid for Vietnamese people affected by floods and erosions in the northern region in October and recent storm Damrey.

For his part, Kono said Japan considers Vietnam an important partner while implementing its foreign policy in the region, affirming that the country will strongly support Vietnam’s development in the coming time, including the continued provision of official development assistance (ODA) and cooperation in building high quality infrastructure projects.

The two officials exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the East Sea-related matters, and agreed to strengthen cooperation at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC and ASEM.

Kono spoke highly of Vietnam’s efforts, initiatives and active role in hosting the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week and APEC 2017 Year, reiterating that Japan will work closely with Vietnam to ensure the success of the week, thus enhancing the role and position of APEC for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

At the reception for WEF Director Philipp Roesler, Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh highly appreciated the support of the WEF and the director’s attendance at the Vietnam Business Summit and related meetings of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week, as well as the coordination between the two sides in implementing their joint agreements.

Roesler said the forum is willing to share its experience, offer consultancy and help Vietnam connect with its members.