This is the second phone conversation between the two PM over the past three months.

Phuc said Viet Nam has deployed drastic measures and gradually control the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing thanks to PM Abe and the Japanese Government for having provided support for hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese people living and working in Japan as well as their medical supplies for Viet Nam’s fight against the pandemic.

The Vietnamese Government chief also welcomed Japan’s decision to choose Viet Nam as one of the first countries to relax travel restrictions.

PM Abe extended thanks to the Government and people of Viet Nam for offering facemasks and medical supplies to his country, affirming that Japan stands ready to provide financial assistance for Viet Nam to overcome the negative impacts of the COVID-19 and restart the economy.

Abe thanked the Vietnamese Government to have created favorable conditions for Japanese diplomats, investors, business managers, and experts to return to Viet Nam.

The two PMs agreed to work closely to carry out the Viet Nam-Japan University project, promote regional trade and investment, including the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

They also agreed to collaborate closely in fostering Mekong-Japan cooperation, reaffirming their position of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of aviation and navigation in the East Sea. All relevant parties must comply with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Phuc pledged to coordinate closely with Japan to beef up the Japan’s to establish ASEAN center for emerging diseases and public health emergencies.

Abe spoke highly of Viet Nam’s efforts in its role as the current ASEAN Chair and vowed to work closely with Viet Nam to successfully organize ASEAN’s related meetings.

Abe said he is looking forward to visiting Viet Nam to attend the ASEAN Summit and hold talks with PM Phuc./.