Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc once again extended congratulations to Suga Yoshihide upon his election as Prime Minister of Japan, during the pair’s phone conversation on Monday. 

PM Phuc affirmed Viet Nam always regards Japan as a top and long-lasting strategic partner and wishes to continue working with the Northeast Asia country to further boost bilateral cooperation and coordination over regional and international issues of shared concerns for mutual benefits and for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese Government chief also thanked Japan for having offered valuable assistance for the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, hoping that both countries would continue cooperation and mutual assistance to overcome the pandemic.

PM Suga expressed pleasure at the robust growth of the Viet Nam-Japan ties as well as Viet Nam’s active cooperation in containing the virus.

He reiterated that Japan treasures and expects to lift up the bilateral ties to a new height, highly valuing Viet Nam’s role and position in the region and the world.

Suga pledged to coordinate closely with Viet Nam to ensure the success of the upcoming ASEAN Summit and related summits.

He took the occasion to extend sympathy to people in central Viet Nam over the consequences caused by rains and floods.

On the occasion, PM Phuc invited PM Suga to visit Viet Nam at convenient time and the latter gladly accept the invitation.

This is the 19th phone conversation between PM Phuc and world leaders since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic./.