Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone has announced the Japanese Government’s decision to resume the provision of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam.

PM Taro Aso (R) receives Minister Phuc in Tokyo.

During talks with Vietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc in Tokyo on February 23, Minister Nakasone expressed his regret over a graft scandal involving several Japanese and Vietnamese officials, that prompted the Japanese Government to halt its ODA to Vietnam.

However, he acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts in settling issues relating to the scandal and pledged to resume its aid package worth 82.3 billion Yen (approximately US$900 million) in its 2008 fiscal year to Vietnam.

Mr Phuc thanked the Japanese Government for its decision and assured his host that Vietnam will work closely with Japan to carry out its ODA-funded projects efficiently.

After talks, Mr Phuc paid a courtesy visit to Japanese PM Taro Aso. They reviewed major developments in the two countries’ relations before and after the visit to Vietnam by Crown Prince Naruhito from February 9-15.

Earlier, Minister Phuc met with the Japan-Vietnam Special Friendship Ambassador Sugi Ryutaro and representatives of the Watanabe parliamentarians group.

Mr Phuc began a week-long visit to Japan on February 22. He is scheduled to meet with a number of Japanese politicians and Chief Executive Officers of leading economic groups and visit the Hamaoka nuclear power plant.

VietNamNet/VOV