(VNA): Foreign Minister Nguyen Dy Nien has granted an interview to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Tokyo, on the multifaceted co-operation between Vietnam and Japan, as well as the prospect of the two countries' bilateral co-operative ties. Following is the interview, which was given at the end of FM Nien's official visit to Japan from March 6-10:

A: During my visit to Japan at the invitation of Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura, I held talks with Mr. Machimura and visited Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. I also met with Minister of Finance Sadakazu Tanigaki, and Secretary General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Tsutomu Takebe who is also Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship League, as well as talking to some other Japanese parliamentarians. The visit has had very good results.

Vietnam-Japan relations have been built on a firm foundation of confidence and long-lasting ties. The two sides agreed on the need to increase the exchange of high-level and parliamentary delegations and to promote popular exchanges, including cultural and tourist co-operation. I think that the two countries have seen good development of their political relations. On economy, throughout the visit I was pleased to see that Japan has attached importance to Vietnam's economic sector. According to Japan, Vietnam is a country of peace and stability. For Japanese economists, especially Japanese businesspeople, the first condition for doing business is a stable environment, and Vietnam is considered to have the most stable environment now.

A: Through contacts with Japanese leaders, I was informed that Japan has promised Vietnam to continue to provide official development assistance, to promote investment and to encourage more Japanese businesspeople to visit. In 2004, Japan's investment in Vietnam increased by 2.5 times compared with 2003. According to Japanese leaders and businesspeople, Japan's investment in Vietnam will continue increasing. In relation to trade, Japan considers Vietnam an important market, and hopes to further promote the two countries' trade. I think that Japan is also interested in tourism. At present, many Japanese hope to visit Vietnam. The number of Japanese tourists visiting Vietnam in 2004 was 30% more than the figure of 2003. It is a considerable growth.

I feel that in the economic area, Japan attaches great importance to Vietnam's position and partner role in Southeast Asia. I am also pleased with negotiations between the two countries during Vietnam's negotiation process for admission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

During the meetings with Japanese officials, particularly Ministers, they committed to supporting Vietnam's bid to join the WTO. They supposed that it was necessary to accelerate Japan's negotiations with Vietnam. I hope that bilateral negotiations will end in the first half-year. I also hope that after the Japanese negotiation mission arrives in Ho Chi Minh City on March 10, the two sides will make progress in discussions so that bilateral negotiations will be completed early.

A: The Japanese side highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts to enhance ties with Japan. Firstly, Japan acknowledged that Vietnam's renovation process, in the economic area, has facilitated Japanese investors' business. Japan recognised our country's good work last year. I hope that this year and in the following years, we will strive further to lure more investment from Japan.

Secondly, regarding official development assistance (ODA), the Japanese side urged Vietnam to increase the rate of ODA capital disbursement. Japan realised that the rate has been increased in Vietnam but it should be raised further so that Japanese ODA can be used more efficiently to meet Vietnam's demand.

Additionally, Japan also recognised Vietnam's willingness to strengthen relations in cultural and other areas.

In general, the visit has paid off. During a meeting with myself and my entourage, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi expressed his sentiment for Vietnam and his wish to boost comprehensive co-operation with Vietnam in the future./.