Hanoi (VNA) – President Tran Dai Quang asked for Japan’s continued assistance in responding to climate change, especially drought and saline int♉rusion in the central, Central Highlands and southern regions, while receiving Japanese✨ Ambassador to Vietnam Fukada Hiroshi in Hanoi on April 19.

At the meeting, the President extended his condolences over the great losses in human and assets suffered by the Japanese people in recent consecutive earthquakes in Kumamoto prefecture. He said he believes that under the Japanese Government’s leadership and the people’s willpower, Japan will surmount the consequences and help disaster-hit locals in re-building efforts. The State leader thanked Japan for its support for Vietnam’s national construction and development, including the provision of official development assistance (ODA). Vietnam always treasures its intensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia with Japan, and considers Japan its leading important partner, he said, adding that the signing of a joint vision statement on Vietnam-Japan relations showed that the two countries found a common voice in promoting the bilateral ties. He suggested the nations intensify high-ranking delegation exchanges and continue consolidating trust between the two Governments and peoples. Vietnam decided to send a high-level delegation headed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Japan to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in May, and is preparing to welcome a visit by a ministerial-level delegation from Japan to Vietnam within this year, he added. President Tran Dai Quang also expressed his hope that Japan maintains its voice supporting Vietnam in the East Sea issue. For his part, Ambassador Hiroshi stressed the significance of the visits paid by the two countries’ leaders for the development of the bilateral relations. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attaches importance to the relations with Vietnam, which is reflected through his invitation to attend the G7 Summit to his Vietnamese counterpart. This will offer a chance for the two leaders to discuss future orientations for the bilateral ties, he said. Regarding the East Sea issue, the diplomat affirmed that Japan backs the stance of not unilaterally addressing disputes and dissimilarities. He hailed the importance for the two countries to raise their common voice at regional and international forums. He went on to say that climate change is an urgent issue and needs long-term solutions. Japan will make fact-finding tours in order to carry out appropriate measures to help Vietnam cope with the phenomenon, he added.-VNA