Prof. Kurihara told Vietnam News Agency that in the face of rising global trade tensions, particularly due to US reciprocal tariff policies, Vietnam - Japan cooperation is increasingly important due to their similarities. In his views, both countries lack abundant natural resources while they share a commitment to an independent and self-reliant foreign policy.

He said he believes that cooperation between the two countries can serve as a model for smaller economies on how to achieve independent and sustainable development without relying much on external factors.

According to the scholar, core areas for bilateral collaboration are economy, security and green transition. He stated that Vietnam possesses a highly capable workforce and expressed confidence that effectively utilising this human resource would bring significant benefits to both countries.

Prof. Kurihara also emphasised that Vietnam plays a vital role in Japan’s foreign policy strategy in the Southeast Asian region.

During a meeting with the press in Hanoi, Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki also affirmed that Vietnam is a top priority in Japan’s foreign policy, recognising it as a country with vast potential thanks to a market of more than 100 million and strong economic growth.

He noted that Vietnam is entering a new era of national advancement, and Japan believes this is also the right time to further expand bilateral cooperation within the framework of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World that the two countries have established.

Meanwhile, Yuko Obuchi, member of Japan’s House of Representatives, said Ishiba’s trip is seen by Japanese political circles as a symbolic message of respect and a clear expression of Japan’s desire to deepen trust and strengthen its relations with Vietnam in the current global context.

She noted that the PM’s choice of Vietnam as his first overseas destination during Japan’s Golden Week, despite the ongoing Japanese Diet session, reflects Vietnam’s growing strategic importance to Japan.

The visit is not just a diplomatic event, but a reaffirmation of Japan’s commitment to Vietnam and the broader vision for partnership in a rapidly changing world, she stated.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his spouse will pay an official visit to Vietnam from April 27 to 29 at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse.

Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic relations in September 1973, and since Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, the two countries have opened embassies and launched exchanges and delegation visits.

Both countries have steadily strengthened their bilateral ties over the past decades, from establishing a reliable and long-term stable partnership in 2002 and a strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia in 2009 to upgrading it to an extensive strategic partnership in 2014 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World in 2023.

Currently, Japan has 5,557 valid projects totalling US$78.6 billion in Vietnam, ranking third among foreign investors in the country. Meanwhile, Vietnam has 126 valid investment projects in Japan, with a total registered investment capital of US$20.6 million.

Both countries have made progress in cooperation in new fields such as digital transformation and green transition. They have also provided close collaboration and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

During his visit, Ishiba is scheduled to have talks and meetings with senior Vietnamese leaders, including Party General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.   

Japan’s political circles respect relations with Vietnam, says lawmaker Obuchi

VOV.VN - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is set to begin an official visit to Vietnam on April 27, a trip seen by Japanese political circles as a symbolic message of respect and a clear expression of Japan’s desire to deepen trust and strengthen its relations with Vietnam in the current global context.