(VOVworld) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe conveyed his New Year wishes to all Vietnamese when talking on the phone with his Vietnamese counterpart Nguyen Tan Dung on Friday.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Feb.13 (Photo: VNA)

Both sides expressed delight at the strong development of their bilateral relationship, as evidenced by the upgrade of the ties to extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia in 2014. The two leaders agreed on the importance of maintaining regular visits and exchanges at all levels, in particular high-ranking ones, as well as effectively implementing cooperative mechanisms and dialogues. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung proposed the Japanese increase help for Vietnam in restructuring the economy, improving its competitiveness and developing its support industry and agriculture. Prime Minister Abe declared that Japan will enhance its economic, trade and investment ties with Vietnam, while maintaining the provision of official development assistance (ODA) for the country’s socio-economic development, infrastructure upgrade and climate change response. He also pledged to collaborate with and support Vietnam in Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.

During the talks, the two Prime Ministers also exchanged opinions on regional and international issues of mutual concern, agreeing to strengthen coordination at multilateral forums and international organizations.