Vietnam, Japan adopt joint vision to elevate comprehensive strategic partnership

During talks in Tokyo on November 9, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae agreed that the statement would serve as an important foundation for taking bilateral relations to new heights, with the two countries acting as partners that accompany, co-create and pursue mutual benefits.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive and substantive progress in bilateral relations since they were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023. Nearly 80% of commitments and agreements between the two countries have been implemented or made significant progress.

Prime Minister Takaichi reaffirmed that Vietnam is a priority partner in Japan's foreign policy and the implementation of its updated Growth Strategy.

General Secretary and President To Lam, in turn, described Japan as one of Vietnam's leading strategic partners and a sincere, trusted friend accompanying the country in its pursuit of sustainable development.

The two leaders vowed to maintain high-level exchanges and strengthen cooperation through Party, State, Government and parliamentary channels, as well as people-to-people exchanges and local partnerships. They also emphasised the role of the two countries' parliamentary friendship groups and the need to enhance dialogue mechanisms in diplomacy, defence and security.

Economic connectivity, investment and energy security

Economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides agreeing to strengthen economic connectivity, ensure economic security and enhance strategic autonomy. The two countries will encourage high-quality Japanese investment in Vietnam, particularly projects involving technology transfer and the training of skilled workers.

They also consented to promote next-generation official development assistance (ODA) cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, energy, digital transformation and the green transition, alongside large-scale, high-quality infrastructure projects in Vietnam.

General Secretary and President To Lam welcomed the signing of an agreement to facilitate the implementation of Japanese grant-aid projects in Vietnam and called for the timely commencement of the Vietnam-Japan University and Cho Ray Hospital projects. He also proposed that both sides work towards raising bilateral trade to US$80 billion by 2030.

Prime Minister Takaichi highlighted Vietnam's important role in Japan's efforts to diversify and upgrade its supply chains, affirming that Japan would create conditions for Vietnamese businesses to participate more deeply and substantively in Japanese companies' supply networks.

Energy security is another key area. Japan expressed readiness to cooperate with Vietnam on energy security and reserves, while promoting the early implementation of LNG power projects in the country under the POWERR ASIA initiative.

The two leaders also pledged to strengthen cooperation in science, technology and innovation through co-creation and public-private partnerships. Priority areas include space technology, marine and ocean science, AI, digital technology, semiconductors, medical technology, advanced biotechnology, high-tech agriculture and strategic minerals.

Both sides will continue joint research projects and expand the acceptance of research students under the NEXUS programme into AI and semiconductor fields. They also agreed to effectively implement 14 projects under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM).

General Secretary and President To Lam proposed establishing a network of Vietnamese and Japanese scientists in six fields - robotics, semiconductor chips, energy technology, biotechnology, high-speed rail and quantum technology. Prime Minister Takaichi pledged Japan's active support for Vietnam through contributions to the country's plan to train 100 PhD holders in AI.

Human resources, people-to-people ties and regional cooperation

The two leaders vowed to strengthen human resource connectivity, people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation, as well as expanding collaboration in healthcare, labour and education.

They will work closely to organise the third Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum in 2027 and enhance education and training cooperation to develop highly skilled human resources.

Both sides stressed the need to promote healthcare cooperation, including elderly care, and work towards concluding negotiations on a bilateral social security agreement. Consultations on a consular notification and contact arrangement will also be launched.

General Secretary and President To Lam encouraged Japan to facilitate and ease visa requirements for Vietnamese technology engineers.

Prime Minister Takaichi shared that the Japanese Government is developing an information channel to assist Vietnamese citizens facing difficulties in Japan.

Looking ahead to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the two leaders agreed to launch the 2027–2028 Vietnam-Japan Tourism Cooperation Year.

On regional and international issues, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on matters of shared concern and to contributing actively to peace, stability and development. They also pledged to support each other at multilateral and regional forums and organisations, including the United Nations, APEC and ASEAN.

Prime Minister Takaichi vowed to work alongside Vietnam and support its successful hosting of APEC 2027, while expressing her hope to visit the country again soon.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of nine cooperation documents between ministries and agencies of the two countries. The documents cover areas including maritime policy, the environment, energy, education, aid and judicial cooperation.

Top leader To Lam outlines major priorities to elevate Vietnam-Japan ties

VOV.VN - General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam has proposed five strategic priorities to take the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights, focusing on innovation, resilient and green growth, regional peace and security, people-to-people ties and stronger parliamentary cooperation.