Tokyo (VNA) - Chairman of the Presidium of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) Central Committee Shii Kazuo wrote an article sharing his deep sadness over the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong.

In the article, he noted he has had a relationship with Nguyen Phu Trong for more than 30 years, with many talks and exchanges in Tokyo and Hanoi. Trong is a friend who could talk openly and honestly about any topic and any field.

He expressed his sincere condolences to the Party chief’s family, the people of Vietnam and the Communist Party of Vietnam.

According to Shii Kazuo, Nguyen Phu Trong has played a great role in implementing Vietnam's sound foreign policy in accordance with the UN Charter and international law, including maintaining independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations; supporting complete disarmament of nuclear weapons; promoting the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), contributing to peace in the world and Asia.

Nguyen Phu Trong directed and led Vietnam’s Doi Moi (renewal) cause, which has reaped great achievements in poverty reduction and economic development, he wrote, adding his Party always pays attention to and supports this process of Vietnam.

Under the leadership of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the relations between the two communist parties have developed strongly, expressing his delight over the two parties’ agreement to join hands to promote efforts for peace in East Asia and nuclear disarmament during the talks between their leaders on December 26, 2023.

He went on to say that the ties between the two parties began developing when Vietnam carried out its struggle against the US invaders, and expressed his wish that the two parties will continue branching out the traditional friendship and solidarity.

He recalled Trong’s memoir about Japan posted on Nhan dan (People) newspaper following his trip to the nation in 1994, in which he spotlighted the heart-felt solidarity and friendship with the Japanese communists.

During the last meeting with him, he raked up his writing, and hoped for a better relations between the two parties, Shii reminisced the memory with his depth of emotion.

The JCP leader once again offered his condolences over the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, and wished that Vietnam’s Doi Moi will be successful, and the ties between the two communist parties as well as the two nations and their people will develop robustly.꧒/.