~ Le Viêt Nam, aujourd'hui. ~
The Vietnam News

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Leaders of Japan, Vietnam agree

HANOI - The leaders of Japan and Vietnam agreed Sunday to further economic cooperation, Kyodo News reported. During a meeting in Hanoi, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi promised Vietnamese Prime Minister Phan Van Khai that Japan would continue its economic assistance to Vietnam.

They also agreed to hasten required bilateral talks on Vietnam's bid to join the World Trade Organization and to work toward putting a bilateral investment pact into effect as soon as possible. And the two leaders consented on Japan's assistance for Vietnam in cultural areas, such as Japanese-language programs and the preservation of the newly found remains of ancient places in Hanoi.

"While we have fiscal constraints over official development assistance, Japan will continue to put emphasis on Vietnam," Koizumi was quoted as telling Khai. And Koizumi thanked Khai for supporting Japan's bid to get a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

United Press International - October 10, 2004.