Summit Meeting Between Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Phan Van Khai
(Overview)

April 27, 2002

On 27 April, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Phan Van Khai from 17:45 Japan Time, for about one hour and ten minutes. The following is an overview of the meeting.

1. Japan-Viet Nam Relations

Prime Minister Koizumi stated he was delighted that relations had progressed so smoothly and favorably with Viet Nam, a country considered to be a "rising dragon" in the Indochina region. In response, Prime Minister Khai stated that cooperation with Japan was important for the development of Viet Nam and in particular, on behalf of the people of Viet Nam, he offered his deep gratitude for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA). In addition, in order to further promote mutual trust and long-term stable relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Khai proposed that: (1) Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan pay a visit to Viet Nam; (2) the framework for political dialogue be strengthened; (3) ODA be further provided for such areas as human resources development, poverty reduction and infrastructure; and (4) a Japan-Viet Nam Investment Agreement be promptly concluded.

In response, Prime Minister Koizumi stated that he would convey the invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to the Imperial Court, and regarding ODA, he pointed out that the fiscal situation in Japan was currently very severe and requested that ODA be applied efficiently. In addition, Prime Minister Koizumi responded that concerning the request for cooperation in a variety of areas, he was looking to proceed by engaging in consultations in the priority areas and expressed his intention to conduct such political consultations regularly at the vice-ministerial level.

2. Japan-ASEAN Cooperation

Prime Minister Koizumi explained the "initiatives in five areas" he had announced on the occasion of his recent visit to Southeast Asia in January, specifically, the Initiative for Japan-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Comprehensive Economic Partnership; the Year of Japan-ASEAN Exchange; the Initiative for Development in East Asia; cooperation in education and human resources development; and strengthened Japan and ASEAN security cooperation. The Prime Minister noted that to date, agreement had been generally reached on these initiatives at the working level of ASEAN countries and stated that he was aiming for an agreement at the Japan-ASEAN Summit Meeting in November 2002. In response, Prime Minister Khai welcomed that Japan would be increasing its political role in the region and stated that Viet Nam would fully support the five initiatives, which aim to strengthen Japan-ASEAN cooperation.

3. Conclusion

Finally, Prime Minister Koizumi concluded the meeting by stating that as Viet Nam could withstand a war with the United States of America, it would surely develop.