Hanoi, April 25 -- Japan attaches importance to strengthening the diplomatic ties with Vietnam, and its Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru's upcoming official visit to Vietnam aims to further expand relations with the Southeast Asian nation, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki has stated. Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the visit, the Japanese diplomat stressed that maintaining and strengthening diplomatic relations with Vietnam holds great significance in Japan's foreign policy. Expanding relations with Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam, is also one of Japan's top diplomatic priorities, he said, adding that Shigeru's visit is hoped to further strengthen personal trust with Vietnamese leaders and reaffirm Japan's c...