Japanese Communist Party Chairman Mourns the Passing of Nguyen Phu Trong

Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: Chairman of the Presidium of the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) Central Committee, Shii Kazuo, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, Nguyễn Phú Trọng. In a heartfelt article, Shii Kazuo paid tribute to his longstanding relationship with Nguyễn Phú Trọng, which spanned more than 30 years and included numerous discussions and exchanges in Tokyo and Hanoi.

Shii Kazuo fondly remembered Nguyễn Phú Trọng as a friend with whom he could converse openly and honestly on any topic. He extended his sincere condolences to Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s family, the people of Việt Nam, and the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Highlighting Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s significant contributions, Shii Kazuo noted his crucial role in implementing Vietnam’s sound foreign policy, in line with the UN Charter and international law. This policy emphasized maintaining independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralism in foreign relations, supporting nuclear disarmament, and promoting the development of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), thereby contributing to global and regional peace.

Nguyễn Phú Trọng was also praised for his leadership in Vietnam’s Đổi Mới (Renewal) initiative, which has achieved remarkable success in poverty reduction and economic development. Shii Kazuo affirmed that the JCP has always supported this process and will continue to do so.

Under Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s leadership, the relationship between the two communist parties flourished. Shii Kazuo expressed his satisfaction with their agreement to collaborate on peace efforts in East Asia and nuclear disarmament, as discussed during their leaders’ talks on December 26, 2023.

Reflecting on the historical ties between the two parties, Shii Kazuo recalled their development during Việt Nam’s struggle against US invaders. He expressed his hope that the traditional friendship and solidarity would continue to grow.

Shii Kazuo reminisced about Nguyễn Phú Trọng’s memoir on Japan, published in Nhân Dân (People) newspaper after his 1994 visit, which highlighted the heartfelt solidarity and friendship with Japanese communists. During their last meeting, Nguyễn Phú Trọng expressed hope for even stronger relations between the two parties, a memory Shii Kazuo holds dear.

The JCP leader once again offered his condolences on the passing of General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, expressing his wish for the continued success of Vietnam’s Đổi Mới initiative and the robust development of relations between the two communist parties, as well as between their nations and peoples.