(VOV) - Japan considers Vietnam a leading recipient of its official development assistance (ODA) and continues to provide the aid at high levels for the Southeast Asian economy. Foreign Minister Gemba Koichiro made the statement during bilateral talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh in Hanoi on Saturday. Gemba, who is visiting Hanoi, said the aid will be focused on finalizing market economic institutions, supporting growth, enhancing the economic competitive capacity, coping with natural disasters, and adapting to climate change. He affirmed Japan’s resolve to comprehensively develop the strategic partnership with Vietnam in various areas.

Meanwhile, Minister Minh said Vietnam considers Japan one of Vietnam’s leading strategic partners. Both host and guest agreed to maintain reciprocal visits, bring into full play the role of the existing dialogue mechanisms, and effectively implement reached agreements, including those to build the trans-national expressway, Lach Huyen port, Long Thanh airport, and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plant, and those to exploit and process rare earth.

The two FMs exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including recent developments in the East Sea.

They held that concerned parties need to settle sea disputes through peaceful means and in respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and the building of the Code of Conduct (COC).