Hanoi (VNA) – Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide on October 19had a meeting with students of the Vietnam-Japan University (VJU) under the VietnamNational University, Hanoi - a symbol of human resource development projectsbetween Japan and ASEAN - as part of his official visit to Vietnam.

In his speech themed “Building together the future ofIndo-Pacific,” PM Suga affirmed that ASEAN and Japan are equal partners and friends,with the two supporting each other by working side by side, learning from oneanother and working together in pursuit of growth.

This is amply illustrated by the recent response to theCOVID-19 pandemic, he said, adding that he was deeply moved when Vietnam sent1.2 million face masks to Japan under the circumstances of many countriessuffering from shortages of medical supplies.

Japan has been providing medical supplies and equipment inthe form of grant aid, and assisting human resource development with a view tocontributing to strengthening health and medical care systems and improvingpublic health in ASEAN. Moreover, Japan and ASEAN are currently workingtogether towards the establishment of the ASEAN Centre for public healthemergencies and emerging diseases with the aim to strengthen ASEAN's responsecapacity to infectious diseases, he stated.

According to the Japanese PM, the supply chain is anessential and integral element of modern day international business. This trendwas ushered in by the investment of Japanese companies in ASEAN.

In this process, Japanese companies enhanced the expertiseof their local employees in host countries through training and contributed tonurturing local businesses.

“The key word for further improving connectivity is digitaltechnology and the resilience of supply chains,” he said. 

PM Suga added that his country has been carrying out the"WA Project" to foster cultural exchange between Japan and ASEANthrough fine arts and the Japanese language.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic is brought under control, Isincerely hope that many people will be visiting both Japan and ASEAN toexperience the diverse culture and the rich nature in each country and savorthe delicious local cuisines,” he added.

“Students of VJU, please come and visit Japan foremployment, research, business trips and other purposes,” he called.

“I myself will exert every effort and treasure theinvaluable friendship with ASEAN. As good friends, let us put in the effort,working hand in hand, to move forward to accomplish a free, open and moreprosperous Indo-Pacific,” the PM added./.