Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong
(VOVworld) - Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s just-concluded visit to Japan to attend the 7th Mekong-Japan Summit was a success, during which Vietnam made active contributions to the success of the event and fostered bilateral ties with Japan, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong told the press. He said Vietnam actively engaged in the preparation for the Summit, and coordinated closely with Japan and other member countries in building the Tokyo Strategy 2015 that is considered a success of the event. Vietnam’s initiative expanding connectivity between the Mekong’s sub-region and other regions, especially South Asia, became an important element of the strategy, he said, adding that Vietnam will continue working with other members in building an action plan and a vision for Mekong industry development. The Tokyo Strategy 2015 outlines clear orientations for the Mekong-Japan partnership in the 2016-18 period for the overall goals of stability and high quality growth in the Mekong sub-region.

Meetings between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and the Japanese leaders and enterprises on the margins of the summit were fruitful. Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh said: "PM Abe gave a positive reply to all cooperation proposals made by PM Nguyen Tan Dung, including considering giving about 3 billion USD in ODA to Vietnam in the 2015 fiscal year, which is equal to the combined figures for 2013 and 2014. This would be a record ODA total for one fiscal year and would finance major infrastructure projects."

Deputy FM Cuong said the significant outcomes of the visit will bolster the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.