The visit, scheduled for May 1–3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, comes shortly after Vietnam consolidated its top leadership, underscoring Japan’s strong emphasis on its relationship with Vietnam.

Ambassador Naoki told media workers on April 28 that Japan’s decision to choose Vietnam as a venue to articulate key strategic directions is “not accidental,” but reflects the country’s growing economic dynamism and rising international standing.

Vietnam in focus of FOIP strategy

According to the ambassador, Vietnam has emerged as an increasingly important partner in Japan’s FOIP vision, a strategic framework first introduced a decade ago to promote a rules-based, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Amid evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics, Japan aims to further develop FOIP through more comprehensive and adaptive approaches. In that context, strengthening cooperation with Vietnam, a fast-growing economy with expanding regional influence, is seen as essential to advancing the initiative, he said.

Japan also sees Vietnam as a key partner in shaping a peaceful and stable regional order under the FOIP framework. The Ambassador noted that Japan, as a country that shares a strong commitment to peace, seeks to work closely with Vietnam to proactively contribute to a stable and rules-based international environment.

He recalled that during a phone call with General Secretary and President To Lam on April 13, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s intention to further strengthen ties with Vietnam, a country pursuing “strategic autonomy”, amid an increasingly complex regional landscape.

Japan also welcomes Vietnam’s ongoing reforms and supports its long-term development vision toward 2030 and 2045. By mobilising both public and private sector strengths, Japan aims to contribute to Vietnam’s new growth model, the diplomat added.

A key highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Takaichi’s policy speech at Vietnam National University in Hanoi, where she is anticipated to outline Japan’s updated vision for the FOIP. This marks the second time a Japanese Prime Pinister has chosen Vietnam to deliver such a speech, following former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide in 2020.

From strategy to action

Beyond its symbolic significance, the visit is expected to translate strategic alignment into concrete cooperation.

During high-level talks, leaders from both sides are set to review progress and explore new avenues of collaboration within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework. Priority areas include energy security, economic resilience, rare earth supply chains, as well as academic and people-to-people exchanges.

Japan has also signaled continued support for Vietnam’s development goals, including its long-term vision toward 2030 and 2045, particularly through new-generation official development assistance (ODA) and private-sector engagement.

Four pillars shaping future ties

Looking ahead, Ambassador Naoki said, Japan has outlined four key pillars that will shape the next phase of bilateral cooperation.

The first focuses on advanced industries such as semiconductors, digital transformation, green transition, artificial intelligence and innovation. Japan has committed to supporting Vietnam’s human resource development, including training hundreds of semiconductor researchers.

The second pillar centres on energy security and strategic infrastructure, with new initiatives aimed at enhancing supply chain resilience and supporting sustainable growth across Asia.

Third, both countries seek to deepen cooperation in diplomacy and security, contributing to peace and stability in the region.

The fourth pillar emphasises people-to-people ties, cultural exchange and academic collaboration, seen as the foundation of long-term bilateral relations. Travel between the two countries has rebounded strongly, with both sides aiming to surpass two million annual visits by 2030.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit would mark a new step forward in bilateral ties, reinforcing Vietnam’s role not only as a key partner of Japan, but also as a pivotal player in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific.

Japanese PM to pay official visit to Vietnam

VOV.VN - Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is scheduled to pay an official visit to Vietnam from May 1-3 at the invitation of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam said on April 28.