Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening extensive partnership with Japan

Vietnam supports and wants Japan to promote its role as the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2023 - 2024 and president of the group of seven industrialised nations (G7) in 2023, contributing positively to peace, stability cooperation and development in the region and the wider world, said Chinh.

The PM reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and multilateralization of external relations, acting as a good friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member in the international community.

He recalled Vietnam’s past struggle for national independence and freedom and said Vietnam cherishes peace and understands the value of peace. He stressed the need of complying with the United Nations Charter and basic principles of international law, including not interfering in internal affairs, not using or threating to use force in international relations, while resolving disputes by peaceful measures.

Vietnam does not take sides but chooses justice and reason, said Chinh, adding the country has been and will continue to act for peace, stability, cooperation and development, and support efforts, initiatives and cooperation of countries for this goal.

Both host and guest were delighted at the positive development of the Vietnam – Japan relations over the past five decades, saying the two countries have maintained regular visit exchanges and contacts, and Japan has donated medical supplies and vaccines to combat COVID-19.

According to the PM, the rapid changes in the region and the world directly affect the security and development environment of all countries, including Vietnam. In this context, he suggested the two countries should further bring into full play cooperation and coordination mechanisms to address strategic issues regionally and globally.

Marking 50 years of the Vietnam – Japan diplomacy this year, Chinh suggested that both countries further ramp up economic, trade and investment cooperation, soon deploy the new generation ODA plan, and promote cooperation in innovation, digital transformation, green transition, circular economy and knowledge-based economy, as well as climate change adaptation.

He also asked the two sides to strengthen and share strategic vision of the international and regional situation, provide mutual support at multilateral forums, quickly and effectively respond to regional and global challenges, and at the same time jointly promote economic linkages and trade liberalization in the region.

The Prime Minister said that Vietnam would like to welcome the Emperor and senior Japanese leaders to visit Hanoi in 2023 when the two countries are celebrating 50 years of their diplomacy.

Takeo Akiba for his part affirmed that the Vietnam - Japan relations are very special and that Japan wishes to strengthen relations with Vietnam.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is looking forward to seeing Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh soon, Akiba revealed.

He voiced support for Chinh’s proposals and said he would report to Japanese leaders upon his return to Tokyo.

He also highly appreciated Vietnam’s foreign policy and expressed his belief Vietnam will continue to elevate its role and position internationally and play a more important role in the global supply chain.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law and international solidarity, promoting multilateralism in international relations, ensuring security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight at sea, and resolving disputes by peaceful measures in line with international law.