Vietnam welcomes a visit by Japan’s newly-elected Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide in a time that is convenient for both countries, said Spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang.

Japan Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide. Photo: EPA-EFE

The spokesperson made the statement when asked to provide further information on reports saying Mr. Suga would come to Vietnam later this month for an official visit.

“The Vietnam-Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership has thrived, and the two sides have maintained exchanges at all levels and under diverse forms,” Ms. Hang added.

Japanese media late in September reported that Mr. Suga would visit Vietnam and Indonesia in mid-October if the Covid-19 pandemic is controlled.

This will be the first overseas trip of Mr. Suga as Japan’s Prime Minister. His predecessor, Mr. Abe Shinzo, also picked Vietnam and Indonesia as destinations for his first overseas visits when he started his second prime ministerial office term in 2012.

According to Nikkei Asia, Mr. Suga would hold talks with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo. The visits are seen as an occasion for Mr. Suga to boost economic cooperation with ASEAN countries and promote the policy of a free and open Indo-Pacific drummed up by his predecessor, who stepped down due to health issues.

Vietnam’s Party Secretary General and President Nguyen Phuc Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on September 16 congratulated Mr. Suga as soon as he was elected to succeed Mr. Abe.