The Japanese PM was accompanied by senior officials from Japan’s Cabinet Office, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Ministry of Defence, and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.

Takaichi and her entourage were welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Dang Xuan Phong, Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu, along with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government Office.

This marks Takaichi’s first visit to Vietnam since taking office as Prime Minister. Vietnam is also the first stop in her two-nation tour, which includes Australia, taking place during Japan’s “Golden Week” holiday period.

According to Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki, the visit takes place just over a month after Vietnam’s new leadership was formed, reflecting Japan’s strong emphasis on its relationship with Vietnam and the country’s growing importance on the international stage.

During the visit, the Japanese Prime Minister is scheduled to hold talks and meetings with Vietnam’s key leaders, aiming to build strong personal ties with the new leadership and further deepen bilateral relations.

Both sides are expected to discuss ways to strengthen the Vietnam–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on expanding cooperation in economic security areas such as energy, critical minerals, science and technology.

Japan is Vietnam’s largest provider of official development assistance (ODA), its largest labour cooperation partner, the third largest investor, and the fourth largest partner in both trade and tourism.

Bilateral trade has maintained steady and balanced growth, reaching approximately US$52 billion in 2025. In January 2026 alone, trade turnover hit US$4.87 billion, up 27.7% year on year. Vietnam’s exports to Japan totaled US$2.53 billion, while imports generated US$2.34 billion, representing increases of 17.8% and 40.5%, respectively.

As of the end of January 2026, Japan had 5,722 valid investment projects in Vietnam with total registered capital of US$78.9 billion, ranking third among 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, behind the Republic of Korea and Singapore.

During her visit, Prime Minister Takaichi is also expected to deliver a major policy speech at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, outlining Tokyo’s updated foreign policy vision, including its approach to the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP).

The Ambassador described the speech as a “golden message” from the Japanese leader to Vietnam, underscoring Tokyo’s recognition of Hanoi’s strategic role and position.

First introduced a decade ago, FOIP aims to promote regional cooperation, uphold international law, and ensure peace and stability. According to Takaichi, the strategy now needs to be updated to better reflect evolving global dynamics.

The Indo-Pacific is a vast region with ASEAN at its center. Choosing Vietnam whose voice is increasingly influential within ASEAN as the venue to present this updated vision sends a strong message about Japan’s recognition of Vietnam’s strategic importance, not only within ASEAN but across the broader Indo-Pacific, Ambassador Ito Naoki said.

Japan sees Vietnam as central to its FOIP strategy, says Ambassador Ito Naoki

VOV.VN - Japan considers Vietnam a central partner in advancing its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s upcoming official visit expected to further strengthen strategic trust and expand bilateral cooperation, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said ahead of the trip.