Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Visit to Viet Nam (Overview)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, accompanied by his wife Akie, visited Hanoi, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, on Wednesday, January 16. The following is an overview of his visit.

1. Japan-Viet Nam Summit Meeting

Following a welcome ceremony hosted by the Vietnamese government, Prime Minister Abe held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Nguyen Tan Dung, Prime Minister of Viet Nam at the Prime Minister's office for about 60 minutes from around 3:50 P.M. (local time). Officials also present at the meeting included, on the Vietnamese side, H.E. Mr. Pham Binh Minh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Vu Duc Dam, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office and H.E. Mr. Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Industry and Trade and, on the Japanese side, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hiroshige Seko and Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Yasuaki Tanizaki. After the meeting, the two leaders appeared for press remarks.

1. (1) Prime Minister Dung began the meeting by offering his congratulations on Prime Minister Abe's assuming office, welcoming that Viet Nam was the very first country in Prime Minister Abe's first trip abroad. Prime Minister Abe said that as the Asia-Pacific region's strategic environment was undergoing greatly changes, Japan would continue to play an active role in maintaining regional peace and prosperity of this region and that Viet Nam was an important partner for Japan with shared regional challenges and a mutually complementary economic relationship. The two leaders shared the recognition that both sides would further advance their "Strategic Partnership," strengthen their cooperation, and work together to ensure peace and stability and achieve prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.
2. (2) Prime Minister Abe expressed the commitment that Japan would continue its support for Viet Nam's economic and social development and conveyed Japan's intention to provide Viet Nam with new yen loans of up to about 500 million US dollars (46.6 billion yen) for implements three projects. Prime Minister Dung expressed his appreciation for the loan. The two leaders shared the perception that both sides would further their cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure development and other fields.
3. (3) The two leaders concurred on the need to actively promote their dialogue and cooperation in the political and security areas.
4. (4) With this year marking the Japan-Viet Nam Friendship Year and the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation, the two leaders shared the recognition that both sides would further strengthen people-to-people exchanges. In particular, Prime Minister Abe emphasized the importance of continuing and expanding youth exchanges for the future of Asia.
5. (5) Referring to the Japan-ASEAN relationship, Prime Minister Abe said Japan would like to actively support ASEAN integration and advance cooperation in concrete terms. Prime Minister Dung welcomed the support. Moreover, the two leaders concurred on the need to cooperate with Brunei, the chair-incumbent of ASEAN, so that the forthcoming East Asia Summit (EAS) would achieve good results.
6. (6) Concerning the regional and international situations, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan's basic policy to the Vietnamese leader, saying that Japan would pursue a path of peace together with ASEAN and would continue to play an active role in easing tensions and maintaining prosperity in the Asia-Pacific in the light of the changing strategic environment in this region. The two leaders shared the perception that both sides would oppose changing the status quo with force in the South China Sea and that the rule of law, including related international laws, was essential. Concerning China, Prime Minister Abe explained Japan's basic position to the Vietnamese side, helping deepen the latter's understanding of Japan's position.
7. (7) Concerning North Korea, Prime Minister Abe said that North Korea's recent missile launch was a clear violation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and was extremely deplorable, and that it was extremely important for the international community to take firm actions. Referring to the abduction issue, he sought the understanding and support of Japan's position by Viet Nam, which maintains relations with North Korea.

2. Other Main Events

Following the Japan-Vietnam summit, Prime Minister Abe exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international situations during a meeting with H.E. Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of Communist Party of Viet Namand during a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Truong Tan Sang, President of Viet Nam. The Japanese leader also attended other events, including a dinner hosted by Prime Minister and Mrs. Dung.