The forthcoming State visit to Vietnam by the Emperor and Empress of Japan will be a significant milestone in the close-knit friendship and cooperation between the two nations, Phuc told the Japanese diplomat, adding that Vietnam attaches importance to boosting its ties with Japan under the spirit of the extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia.

He said he appreciated the visit to Vietnam in early 2017 by Prime Minister Abe and his spouse and efforts by the Ambassador and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam in working closely with Vietnamese agencies to make it successful.

The government leader asked the two countries’ functional agencies to do their best to make thorough preparations for the Emperor and Empress's visit which is an important event this year.

PM Phuc expressed his belief that with the upcoming high-level visits, the cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Japan will grow and flourish for mutual benefit.

Ambassador Kunio Umede told PM Phuc that the Japan Embassy is actively coordinating with relevant Vietnamese agencies in preparations for the upcoming visit by the Emperor and Empress.

The visit shows bilateral relationship is at the best-ever period and is being deepened comprehensively, Kunio Umede said.

He also briefed the PM on the coordination with Vietnamese agencies in preparing a large-scale programme to promote investment in Vietnam with the participation of roughly 1,000 Japanese businesspeople.

The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Ministry of Planning and Investment are working hand in hand to ensure the success of the programme, he said.

Source: vov.vn