Bangkok (VNA) – Ministerof Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son had meetings with US Secretary of State AntonyBlinken and Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Hayashi Yoshimasa in Bangkok on November 17 on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific EconomicCooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week.

The Vietnamese and US officials expressedtheir delight at the flourishing comprehensive partnership in multiple spheresbetween the two countries, including high-level mutual visits and meetings,economic cooperation, trade, investment, sustainable development, green energy,clean energy, digital transformation, and infrastructure development.

Son said the US is one ofthe leading partners of Vietnam, adding he hopes the two sides will coordinate tofurther intensify bilateral relations ahead of the comprehensive partnership’s 10th anniversary in 2023.

To promote bilateral ties, the twosides agreed to increase meetings and delegation exchanges at all levels,especially high-level ones, and bolster connections in economy - trade, security -defence, education - training, and settlement of war consequences, including dioxinremediation at Bien Hoa airbase and the search for remains of Vietnamese martyrs.

They also agreed to exchange views onand coordinate in issues of common concern at regional and internationalforums, and strengthen partnerships with the Association of Southeast AsianNations (ASEAN) and the Mekong sub-region.

State Secretary Blinken also tookthis occasion to congratulate Vietnam on its election to the United NationsHuman Rights Council.

At the meeting between the Vietnameseand Japanese foreign ministers, the two sides noted with satisfaction the countries’ thrivingrelations in all aspects.

They agreed to enhance coordination toimplement the agreements reached between the two Prime Ministers at the meetingon November 12, 2022, including Japan’s provision of new-generation officialassistance development and support for Vietnam in socio-economic development,industrialisation, modernisation, and green transition.

To further tighten bilateralcooperation, especially amid the 50th anniversary of diplomaticrelations in 2023, the two countries will step up all-level mutual visits; boostpost-pandemic cooperation in different areas; increase cultural,people-to-people, locality-to-locality, and tourism exchanges; and work togetherto organise activities marking the anniversary.

Minister Son asked the two foreignministries to improve the effectiveness of their dialogue mechanisms. He alsocalled for the sending of more Vietnamese workers and trainees to Japan inthe spirit of mutually beneficial cooperation, and for Japan’s continuedsimplification of visa granting procedures and facilitation of Vietnamesecitizens’ entry into Japan.

Hayashi affirmed that Vietnam holds arole of leading importance in his country’s foreign policy towards the region.He also highly valued its role and stature in the region and the world.

Japan treasures and wishes to solidifyall-round links with Vietnam, he said, asking the two foreign ministries to maintaincoordination to promote important projects between the two countries and exportof agricultural products to each other’s markets.

The ministers also exchanged views oninternational and regional issues on shared concern and agreed that theircountries will coordinate closely at multilateral cooperation mechanisms likethe UN, ASEAN, and APEC./.