Shii and CPV General Secretary Manh discuss world peace order and theoretical exchanges between two parties

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Shii and CPV General Secretary Manh discuss world peace order and theoretical exchanges between two parties

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo held talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Nong Duc Manh at the CPV Central Committee office in Hanoi on January 10. They exchanged their opinions on issues relating to Asia and the world, Vietnam's Doi Moi (renovation) policy and socialism, and development of relations between the two parties.

In the meeting, Shii stated, "In the 21st century world, it is more important than anything else to defend the international order of peace based on the United Nations Charter and to oppose any nation's hegemonism violating it." He highly evaluated the role of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), saying, "In Asia, a major change from military alliances to a regional peace community is taking place."

Then, he raised the issues of Iraq and North Korea as the "two issues in Asia that urgently need to be solved."

Concerning the Iraq issue, Shii pointed out that the JCP and CPV leaders in their meeting in Tokyo five years ago had agreed on opposing war in Iraq. "The subsequent development of the Iraqi situation has proven the correctness of our two parties. Withdrawal of the U.S. forces from Iraq with a set timetable is necessary," he said.

General Secretary Manh stated, "We fully share your opinion. Without a proper solution to the Iraq issue, things will get worse."

The JCP chair went on to talk about the North Korea issue, stressing, "It is important for the international community to make united efforts to achieve peaceful and diplomatic solutions." Pointing out the importance of implementing the U.N. resolution calling on North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons development program and the joint statement published by the parties to the Six-Party Talks in September 2005, Shii said, "This joint statement reaffirmed the significance of the Japan-DPRK Joint Declaration. This Joint Declaration covers the North Korean nuclear issue, the abduction issue, and a settlement of past issues. Success of the Six-Party Talks and the normalization of Japan-DPRK relations will expand the current seeking peace in Southeast Asia to Northeast Asia."

Manh said, "We completely agree with you. There is no other path to a solution."

Shii recalled that every year Vietnam has sent its delegation to the World Conference against A & H Bombs held in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Vietnamese president has sent his heartfelt message to the World Conference. Referring to the pain and suffering inflicted on many Vietnamese to this day by U.S. defoliants used during the Vietnam War, Shii said, "The JCP is hoping for full cooperation between the two parties to take on the task of abolishing nuclear weapons altogether."

Manh in reply said, "We will work together for the abolition of nuclear weapons as both our countries experienced the tragedies of weapons of mass destruction."

Shii said that he is pleased at the progress of Vietnamese Doi Moi policies and the increasing role played by the country in the international community both politically and economically.

Pointing out that this is the first time in eight years for the JCP leadership to visit Vietnam, Shii stated, "I hope that our two parties further develop in a manner befitting the 21st century the mutual friendship and solidarity that was established in the anti-U.S. national salvation war and have been maintained for these 41 years." Describing a theoretical exchange meeting held earlier in the day as highly beneficial, Shii also expressed his hope for further promoting theoretical exchanges between the two parties.

General Secretary Manh welcomed Shii's proposal, and said, "Your visit this time has assumed great significance in further developing relations between the two parties as well as between the two countries."

At a dinner party hosted by General Secretary Manh to welcome the JCP delegation after this meeting, the two party heads talked for two and a half hours in a relaxed atmosphere about various issues facing the world and Asian countries, the prospects of socialist movements, and potential of party building.
- Akahata, January 11, 2007