Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holds talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. Photo: VOV

The two leaders expressed their satisfaction at the strong, comprehensive and substantive development of the two countries' relations over the past time; and agreed on major orientations and specific measures to promote the extensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan for peace and prosperity in Asia to a new height.

They agreed to strengthen political trust by stepping up high-level visits and contacts in 2023 which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. The PMs also reached a consensus on enhancing defense-security cooperation in the settlement of the post-war consequences, human resources training, technology transfer, and cyber security.

The two sides affirmed to coordinate their stances on issues of mutual concern at multilateral and regional forums such as ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Regarding the East Sea issue, the leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring navigation and aviation security and safety, solving all disputes and differences by peaceful means on the basis of international law.

Before the talks, the two witnessed the exchange of signed documents of three ODA cooperation projects with a total value of 61 billion JPY (500 million USD).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

At the meeting with the President of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to and hopes to strengthen the comprehensive partnership with Brazil, one of its leading important partners in the region. He called on Brazil to support and promote the early start of negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the South American Common Market (MERCOSUR).

The two countries will continue to coordinate and support each other at international organizations and multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and other multilateral forums to which the two sides are members. Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge to strengthen the relationship between ASEAN and Brazil, and between ASEAN and MERCOSUR.

President Lula da Silva congratulated Vietnam on its achievements in socio-economic recovery and development. He suggested the two countries continue to promote practical cooperation in all aspects, especially in trade, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges, and coordination at international organizations and multilateral forums.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky. Photo: VOV

PM Chinh briefly met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelensky. At the meeting, Chinh emphasized that Vietnam attaches importance to the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Regarding the current conflict in Ukraine, Vietnam has provided humanitarian support to the Ukrainian people and is ready to assist involved parties in finding a lasting peaceful solution based on international laws and respecting the legitimate interests of the parties.

President Zelensky expressed his appreciation for Vietnam's stance and humanitarian support, and agreed to take measures to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received members of the Japanese National Diet with constituency in Hiroshima. He proposed Japanese parliamentarians support the two countries’ relationship and contribute to strengthening exchanges and cohesion between the two parliaments and their members in a sustainable, substantive and mutually beneficial manner.