Japanese Prime Minister leaves for Viet Nam, Philippines

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has started his four-day visit to Viet Nam and the Philippines. He expressed hope for stronger cooperation with the two countries in security and other areas. 

After arriving in Viet Nam, Ishiba is scheduled to meet with the country's top leader, Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, on Sunday, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Monday. Ishiba will then visit the Philippines for summit talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday.

Ishiba also referred to the United States' new tariff measures, saying the tariffs are believed to have a significant impact on Viet Nam and the Philippines' economies, as well as Japanese companies operating in the countries. The prime minister added that he will listen to the opinions and concerns of the Japanese firms, so that the government will take them into account in taking measures.