Yuko Obuchi, member of Japan’s House of Representatives, who is also newly appointed chairperson of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, made the statement in an interview recently granted to Tokyo-based VOV correspondents ahead of Ishiba’s visit.

She emphasised the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries, saying “Our relationship has endured through various historical periods, and at every stage, we have built friendship and mutual trust.”

Obuchi, daughter of former Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who also served as the head of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance, expressed deep honour and responsibility toward continuing the legacy of promoting Japan–Vietnam relations.

She noted that Ishiba’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.

“It’s not just the Prime Minister choosing Vietnam, it’s Japan choosing Vietnam,” she affirmed.

In the face of global uncertainty and instability, Obuchi stressed the importance of enhancing mutual trust and cooperation, particularly in diplomacy, economics, and people-to-people exchange.

Looking ahead, she expressed hope that the two countries’ leaders would agree to more frequent high-level exchanges, helping to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.

“This visit by Prime Minister Ishiba 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,” Obuchi concluded.

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 their 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.

During a meeting with the press in Hanoi on April 23, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki stated that Ishiba’s upcoming visit is aimed at further strengthening relations with Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam.

He emphasised that Vietnam is a top priority in Japan’s foreign policy, as it is a country with a market of over 100 million consumers and high economic growth potential.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to visit Vietnam next week

VOV.VN - 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, according to a press communique released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 23.