Deputy spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

Regarding reports that Japan’s invitations to Vietnam and Indonesia to attend the event show its appreciation for its ties with ASEAN and its desire to upgrade the relationship to a comprehensive partnership, Hang said Vietnam highly values the substantial progress in ASEAN-Japan relations, and is eager to work with other ASEAN countries and Japan to take relations to a new height.

ASEAN and Japan celebrate 50 years of relations in 2023.