Former LDP Secretary-General Nikai visited Viet Nam and met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Trinh, and the two leaders shared the view that it is important to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, including expanding people-to-people exchanges, given that it has been 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam.
Former LDP Secretary-General Nikai, who chairs the Parliamentary League of Friendship between Japan and Vietnam, met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Trinh in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on May 5.
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Trinh stated that it will be 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam, and that "the leaders of the two countries have made many efforts during this time, and I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the support provided over the past 50 years."
In response, Mr. Nikai said, "I am delighted to be able to visit Vietnam in this historic milestone year for both countries. I hope that this visit will give us more momentum," and shared the view that it is important to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, including the expansion of people-to-people exchanges.
Mr. Nikai also welcomed the G7 Hiroshima Summit to be held this month, noting that the Japan of the Presidency has invited Vietnamese Prime Minister Trinh to an "outreach meeting" inviting the leaders of non-member countries and representatives of international organizations.