Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking new heights in relations with Vietnam when he arrives in the Capital Hanoi on Monday, the last leg of his four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific region. 
Abe will meet Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, the Communist Party's general secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. He will discuss trade and strategic ties between the two Asian nations. 
Abe has said he hopes to reach agreement with the leaders on the importance of the rule of law and a peaceful resolution of conflicts. His visit comes amid China's increasing activities in the South China Sea, Japan's broadcaster (NHK World) reported. 
The Japanese leader also plans to ask Vietnam again to help pressure North Korea following the country's repeated nuclear and missile tests. 
Abe will also attend meetings between Vietnamese provinces and a Japanese business delegation to discuss trade and economic ties. 
Abe's trip comes two months prior to a scheduled visit by Japanese Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. 
Japan has become Vietnam's second largest investor with more than 2,600 projects worth a total of 38 billion dollars. 
Japan has also assisted Vietnam in enhancing its maritime power amid rising Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, where Vietnam, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei have overlapping claims. 
Vietnam is the last leg of Abe's regional trip after touring the Philippines, Australia and Indonesia.

Source: QNA