[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] Yoshihide Suga, Prime Minister of Japan, embarked on his first overseas trip just over a month after taking office on the 18th. Prime Minister Suga will visit Vietnam and Indonesia over a four-day schedule until the 21st.
According to Kyodo News, before departing for his first destination, Vietnam, in the afternoon, Prime Minister Suga stated, "The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an important partner," adding, "I want to demonstrate our commitment to contributing to regional peace and prosperity to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific."
He also expressed his intention to build cooperative relationships with Vietnam and Indonesia regarding the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Prime Minister Suga plans to meet with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to discuss ways to develop bilateral relations based on a broad strategic partnership, agree on strengthening cooperation between Vietnam, the ASEAN chair country, and Japan, and deliver a policy speech related to ASEAN. Additionally, Prime Minister Suga will hold a summit with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to reaffirm that the two countries are strategic partners and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation, including COVID-19 measures.
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