The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Vietnam welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide to visit during its first trip scheduled for October.

"The broad strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan is developing well, the two sides maintain contact exchanges at all levels and in many different forms. With that in mind, we welcome Thu

Ms. Hang answered a question about the news that the new Japanese Prime Minister Suga could visit Vietnam in October.

According to Kyodo, Mr. Suga plans to visit Vietnam and Indonesia in mid-October during his first trip after taking office.

Japan is looking to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific vision, including upholding the rule of law, freedom of navigation and overflight, said the chief of staff of the Cabinet Katsunobu Kato.

Mr. Suga became the new Prime Minister of Japan after a vote in parliament on September 16.