Japan-Viet Nam Relations

1. At the beginning, both leaders extended greetings on the occasion of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (February 19). They concurred that this year, the two countries would continue to cooperate on wide-ranging areas, including dialogues at the summit level, based on their relationship elevated to “extensive strategic partnership” in 2014.

2. Prime Minister Abe expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Dung for his condolences over the recent murder of Japanese hostages in Syria, and stated that Japan would never give in to terrorism and would work with the international community to counter it. Prime Minister Dung once again offered his condolences and supported Japan’s efforts.

3. Prime Minister Abe noted that Japan has consistently contributed to peace and development in the world as a peace-loving nation. He stated that with this year marking 70 years since the end of World War II, Japan, as a “Proactive Contributor to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation, looked forward to further collaborating with Viet Nam. Prime Minister Dung responded that he endorsed Japan’s policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace.”

4. Prime Minister Abe stated that the used fisheries patrol vessels that Japan provided arrived in Viet Nam in the previous week, and Prime Minister Dung expressed appreciation. Both leaders agreed to continue their coordination for the provision of new patrol vessels to Viet Nam.

5. Both leaders also exchanged views on other issues, including Japan’s official development assistance to Viet Nam, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, South China Sea, North Korea, and United Nations reform.

6. The telephone talk ended with both leaders promising to meet again at the Mekong-Japan Summit (Tokyo) in July 2015.