President Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the State funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Photo: VNA

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation landed in Hanoi on September 28 afternoon, concluding their trip to Japan to attend the State funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited and offered condolences to Abe Akie, the widow of late Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, at her home on September 28.

Highly appreciating the late PM's efforts for the development of Japan and the happiness of the Japanese people, Phuc affirmed that Abe was loved by many international friends, including Vietnamese people.

He said he treasures the special affection and contributions of Abe and his wife toward the Vietnam-Japan cooperation relationship.

For her part, Abe Akie said she will continue to pay attention to and support the further development of the countries’ ties in the time to come.

During his nearly four-day stay in Japan, Phuc also had meetings with leaders of the Japanese Liberal Democratic Party, Government, National Diet, friendship organizations, and friends.

At the funeral in Tokyo on September 27, the President and his entourage laid a wreath in tribute to the late Japanese PM – a close friend of Vietnam, saying he treasures the special sentiments and valuable support of Abe to the Vietnamese land and people.

At the State funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Photo: VNA

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc shakes hand with Japanese PM Kishida Fumio at the State funeral for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo. Photo: VNA

During a reception for delegation heads to the funeral, hosted by Japanese PM Kishida Fumio and the spouse of the late PM, Abe Akie, President Phuc once again extended his deepest condolences over the passing of Abe.

He suggested the two countries work harder to promote the bilateral relationship more comprehensively and pragmatically, as per the wishes of the late leader.

Both Kishida and the widow shared the view that the Vietnamese delegation’s attendance at the funeral clearly demonstrated the friendship and close cooperation between the people of the two countries.

Kishida pledged to make greater efforts to advance the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership to a new height, meeting the aspirations of the two countries' people and the late PM in particular.

President Phuc also met with Japanese Emperor Naruhito following the funeral, conveying the invitations of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and himself to the Emperor and the Empress to visit Vietnam on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties in 2023.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (right) and Japanese Emperor Naruhito. Photo: VNA

On the sidelines of the funeral, the Vietnamese leader also met with Japan's Speaker of the House of Representatives Hosoda Hiroyuki, President of the House of Councillors Otsuji Hidehisa, President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance Nikai Toshihiro, former Japanese PM Suga Yoshihide, and some local governors.

Speaking at the meetings, on behalf of leaders of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, he expressed his deep condolences on Abe’s death, saying it is a great loss for not only the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Government, National Diet and people of Japan, but also to the Vietnam-Japan friendly cooperation relationship.

Receiving President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance and former Secretary General of the LDP Nikai Toshihiro, former Japanese PM Suga Yoshihide, and Japanese parliamentarians, Phuc lauded the alliance's effective contributions to promoting the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership.

The guests affirmed that they will continue to support and promote cooperation between the nations’ parliaments, the exchange of their parliamentarians and young leaders; promote bilateral collaboration in economy-trade, ODA, and labour; and come up with policies in support of Vietnamese interns and workers in Japan.

In another meeting, former Japanese Ambassadors to Vietnam pledged to become a “bridge” by proposing many initiatives to promote the two countries’ extensive strategic partnership to be on par with their potential and meet the aspirations of their peoples.

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Matsuzawa Ken, President of Japan’s International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC). Photo: VNA

Hosting Matsuzawa Ken, President of Japan’s International Friendship Exchange Council (FEC), President Phuc suggested the council further promote economic and educational cooperation, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Vietnam and Japan; and support activities of the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan.

Phuc also received governors of Japanese prefectures Gunma, Tochigi, and Kanagawa, who highlighted a series of priorities in their cooperation with Vietnamese localities.

The priorities included creating conditions for market expansion for each other's products; transferring technology in agriculture, processing, wastewater treatment, health, and environmental protection; and increasing the reception of Vietnamese students, high-quality workers and technical interns.

Matsuzawa affirmed that FEC is determined to contribute to deepening the countries’ relations and people-to-people exchanges.

The President’s schedule in Japan also included a reception for a group of outstanding Vietnamese intellectuals in Japan.

On this occasion, Phuc also had meetings with representatives from other countries attending the funeral, including Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, President of the European Council Charles Michel, President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr, Indian PM Narendra Modi, President of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe and PM of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel.

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