Telephone Conversation Between Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Dr. Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

June 9, 2010
Japanese

On June 9 (Wed) from 1:45 p.m., Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone conversation for approximately 20 minutes with Dr. Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The summary of the conversation is as follows:

Minister Okada began by appreciating Minister Khiem for the words of congratulation extended promptly after his reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and said that there is no change in Japan’s policy to place importance on its relations with Viet Nam under the new Kan administration. Dr. Khiem once again congratulated Minister Okada on his reappointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs, and mentioned that he is confident that the Japanese economy will continue to grow and will play a larger role in the international community under the Kan administration. He said that Viet Nam continues to regard Japan as one of the most important countries as the Strategic Partner.
Minister Okada said that he plans to visit Viet Nam in July to attend the ASEAN-related foreign ministers’ meeting and other events, and that he is eager to exchange views with Dr. Khiem on this occasion. Minister Okada also noted that Prime Minister Kan looks forward to visiting Viet Nam on the occasion of the ASEAN-related summit meeting in October. Dr. Khiem said he regards Minister Okada’s and Prime Minister Kan’s visits to Viet Nam as being important, and therefore intends to prepare thoroughly to make them successful.
Minister Okada referred to the informal meeting held in Hanoi on June 9 for concluding the Japan-Viet Nam nuclear cooperation agreement, and mentioned that he expects early conclusion of the said agreement as well as Viet Nam’s early conclusion of international conventions on nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear safety, and nuclear security. He also noted that Japan intends to cooperate with Viet Nam’s efforts to build nuclear power plants, through both public and private efforts, and requested a prompt and positive reply with regard to Japan’s participation. Dr. Khiem said that Viet Nam highly values Japan’s high technological proficiency and safety performance in the area of nuclear power generation, and appreciates Japan’s cooperation in this area, and is seriously considering Japan’s proposal based on the strategic partnership.

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