Japan, Vietnam step up efforts to realize comprehensive strategic partnership

Both sides showed their elation at the recent comprehensive and effective development of bilateral relations, notably the upgrading of the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership last year.

They stated that in addition to political trust and delegation exchanges at all levels, cooperation in economy, trade, investment, labour, education, and agriculture, among others has also produced practical results.

Both sides are expanding collaboration to new areas like digital transformation and green transition, while their coordination at multilateral forums and international organisations has been strengthened, they added.

Funakoshi affirmed that the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs desires to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese side in carrying out high-level agreements substantively and effectively to elevate the bilateral ties on a par with the new framework, and that it will make combined efforts to materialise the results reached at the 12th meeting of the Vietnam - Japan Cooperation Committee earlier this month.

Vietnam continues regarding Japan as a leading and long-term strategic partner, and hopes to work hand in hand in accelerating the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership, the Vietnamese diplomat said.

Both sides agreed to intensify exchanges and meetings at all levels and through flexible formats, and also improve the efficiency of bilateral dialogue mechanisms.

Vu used the occasion to convey invitations to Japanese leaders to attend the fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit and the ASEAN Future Forum, scheduled to be held in Vietnam next year.

The two sides also exchanged views on measures to increase cooperation effectiveness in national defence, security, economy, official development assistance (ODA), investment, climate change response, green transition, and digital transformation.

The Vietnamese Government places great importance on and is making efforts to effectively implement high-level agreements with Japan, Vu told his guest. He suggested Japan provide new-generation ODA with preferential terms and more flexible, streamlined procedures for Vietnam, prioritising key infrastructure projects.

He also asked Japan to soon determine loan commitments for the projects on infrastructure development, climate change response, and livelihood support for ethnic minorities in 11 northern mountainous and midland provinces of Vietnam.

Vu proposed the Japanese ministry coordinate with other Vietnamese ministries and agencies to simplify procedures and gradually work towards visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens.

At the talks, Funakoshi stated that Japanese investors consider Vietnam a priority destination, voicing his hope for coordination to stimulate ODA and investment ties between the two countries, and bolster bilateral cooperation within Japan's Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative.

Hailing the contributions by the nearly 570,000-strong Vietnamese community to his country’s socio-economic development, the official said the Japanese Government will offer more favourable conditions for them to live, study and work there.

Host and guest also discussed regional and international issues of shared concern such as cooperation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Mekong River, and East Sea issues. They consented to boost the coordination of stance and mutual support at international and regional forums like ASEAN, the United Nations, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).