(VOVworld) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has stressed the importance of Japan as Vietnam’s leading and long-term partner.

At a reception on Friday in Hanoi for Isao Iijima, Special Advisor to the Japanese Cabinet, Mr. Phuc called for strengthening political trust between the two countries through high-level visits and meetings on the sidelines of international events. He expected for more investment from Japanese small-and medium-sized enterprises and Japan’s opened market for Vietnamese agro-fishery products, dragon fruit and litchi.

The government leader said Vietnam and Japan should forge closer cooperation in agriculture, labour, culture and tourism.

On his part, Isao Iijima said he hopes the Vietnamese Government will continue facilitating Japanese businesses in Vietnam.