NA Chairman holds talks with President of Japanese House of Councillors

During the talks, the Vietnamese NA leader highlighted the significance of the Japanese legislator's visit and said the Vietnamese NA supports the enhancement of Vietnam-Japan relations via the Party, Government, National Assembly, and people-to-people exchange channels. He affirmed that Vietnam also backs the upgrading of bilateral ties to a greater height.

Vietnam greatly values Japan's position, prestige and voice on the global and regional stage, he said, suggesting that both sides facilitate the exchange of delegations, especially those at high level, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties; enhance consultations, coordination, and mutual support at multilateral forums and important international and regional organizations of which they are members, such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and more.

He suggested that both sides promote strategic connectivity between the two economies, and Japan assist Vietnam in building an independent and self-reliant economy that efficiently joins the global supply chains.

This includes stepping up locality-to-locality cooperation and urging Japanese firms to invest and transfer advanced technology in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, high-quality agriculture and climate change adaptation while expanding operations in fields like high technology, new energy, renewable energy, energy conversion, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation and core technology.

The top Vietnamese legislator sought Japan’s continued supply of official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam in socio-economic projects as well as its new-generation ODA programme for Vietnam, with preferential terms and simplified, flexible procedures. Both countries could share their experience in national governance and corporate management, he told his guest.

He said he hopes that Japan will continue supporting Vietnam in high-quality human resources development in various fields, including sci-tech, management and services, health care, culture, and education while maintaining non-refundable aid for education and training in Vietnam.

The host also pledged all possible support for Japanese citizens and businesses to do business stably and successfully in Vietnam.

Hue asked the two sides actively roll out the mid and long-term vision for agriculture cooperation. He asked Japan to gradually switch from the technical intern training programme to a labour contract-based system and direct relevant ministries to accelerate the signing of agreements in these areas.

Members of the Japanese House of Councillors described Vietnam as a top priority of Japan in its effort to diversify supply chains.

The assured Japan’s readiness to share its experience in development, especially in education and internship.

Regarding the legislative ties, the Vietnamese NA leader suggested the two sides ramp up cooperation and experience exchange between their committees, and coordinate in perfecting institutions and policies, and building a legal framework in support of the two countries' businesses to expand operation and investment in the other country.

The two sides should intensify delegation exchanges and contacts, especially between young and female parliamentarians, while working to boost government cooperation and supervise the implementation of cooperation agreements reached by the two governments, he went on to say.

Hue also underlined the need for close coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Asia – Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).

Both sides shared the view that the two legislative bodies need to soon establish a cooperation mechanism with the signing of a cooperation agreement, which will serve as a legal foundation for them to strengthen collaboration in various areas, matching the "extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia" between Vietnam and Japan.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese chief legislator invited Japanese National Diet to send delegates to the 9th Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians slated for mid-September in Hanoi.

Concerning regional and international issues, Hue voiced his hope that Japan will continue its support for Vietnam’s and ASEAN’s views and stance on maintaining peace, stability, and navigation and aviation security in the East Sea, and settling disputes by peaceful measures in  accordance with international  law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties, Otsuji presented the Vietnamese legislature with a red Osaka tree.

Following the talks, the two leaders joined a tree-planting ceremony at the Vietnamese NA Building.

Later the same day, NA chairman Hue hosted a banquet in honour of the Japanese legislative leader and his delegation.

Otsuji is on a Vietnam visit from September 4-7 at the invitation of NA Chairman Hue. It is also his first oversea trip since he took office.