The trip will be made at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, according to an announcement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 13.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of PM Chinh’s trip, which will be made at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu said that the summit, to be held after ASEAN and Japan established their comprehensive strategic partnership in September, will be a good opportunity for high-ranking leaders of ASEAN countries and Japan to review cooperation achievements, and set out orientations for developing relations in the new period, matching the new relationship framework.

This is also an opportunity for both sides to become more aware of the significance and importance of their relations, thus improving the quality and effectiveness of their cooperation in the future, Hieu said, adding that Vietnam is an active and proactive member in ASEAN, and it always supports the strong development and closer connection of ASEAN-Japan relations.

As an active member of ASEAN, Vietnam is always active and proactive in promoting the consolidation and enhancement of the ASEAN-Japan relations, contributing to deepening the relationship and developing it in an effective, substantive, and mutually beneficial manner.

When Japan proposed organising the Commemorative Summit and establish the ASEAN-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership in 2023, Vietnam immediately supported it, and actively and promptly contributed to concretising these proposals, and ensuring the roadmap set out by ASEAN and Japan at the beginning of this year, stated Hieu.

The ambassador went on to say that one of Vietnam's most outstanding contributions to promoting the ASEAN-Japan relations is that it successfully assumed the role of the coordinator of the ASEAN-Japan relations in the 2018-2021 period, with unprecedented challenges and difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam implemented coordination work creatively, suitable to the context of the situation and cooperation needs, bringing practical benefits to both sides, especially reflected through Japan's contribution of 50 million USD in support of the establishment the ASEAN Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases (ACPHEED) announced in 2020 when Vietnam assumed the role of the ASEAN Chair.

The upgrade of the Vietnam-Japan relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world will not only promote bilateral ties in the coming time but also actively contribute to enhancing the ASEAN-Japan relations, bringing tangible benefits to the people of Japan, Vietnam and ASEAN.

The Government leader’s visit will continue to create a strong driving force for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economics, trade, investment, and labour, and developing the bilateral ties in a deeper and more substantive manner, so as to bring practical benefits to the two peoples, the diplomat said.

VNA