President Nguyen Xuan Phuc lays flowers in memory of former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

On Tuesday, at the funeral in Budokan Event Center, Tokyo, President Phuc laid flowers to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister Abe and expressed respect for Abe’s special affection and valuable support for the country and people of Vietnam.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc holds talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA

During a reception for delegation heads to the funeral, hosted by Japanese PM Kishida Fumio and the spouse of the late PM, Abe Akie, President Phuc suggested the two countries work harder to promote the bilateral relationship more comprehensively and pragmatically, as per the wishes of the late leader.

Both Kishida and the widow shared the view that the Vietnamese delegation’s attendance at the funeral has clearly demonstrated the friendship and close cooperation between people of the two countries.

Kishida pledged to make greater efforts to advance the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership to a new height, meeting aspirations of the two countries’ people and the late PM in particular.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc meets with Japanese Emperor Naruhito. Photo: VNA

During his stay in Japan, President Phuc had meetings with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, leaders of the National Diet, localities, friendship organisations and friends.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s trip has conveyed Vietnam’s message of respect, loyalty and gratitude to international friends and to the late Prime Minister Abe in particular. President Phuc’s increased contacts and exchanges with leaders of countries and regions attending the funeral continue to affirm Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, diversification, and comprehensive and extensive international integration.