President’s Japan visit represents important landmark in 50 years of diplomatic ties

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio made the statement in a recent media interview regarding the significance and related contents ahead of the Vietnamese State leader’s visit to the Far East nation.

Upon assessing the forthcoming official visit to Japan by President Thuong and his wife, Ambassador Takio said that both sides are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations amid bilateral ties growing steadily across multiple fields such as politics, economics, and culture.

"In addition to looking back at the progress in Japan-Vietnam relations so far, this visit also conveys a message that cooperation between Japan and Vietnam is not just a bilateral relationship but is becoming a relationship that can jointly contribute to peace and prosperity of the region and the world," the Japanese diplomat stated.

Regarding the major highlights of bilateral ties over the past five decades, the Japanese diplomat said the two countries established their diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973. Based on a long history of friendship, joint ties have made significant progress. Especially after resuming ODA in 1992, Japan played an important role in the reconstruction, modernisation, and industrialisation of Vietnam.

In recent years, mutual relations have developed from strength to strength and are now entering the best period ever.

Most notably, high-level exchanges continuously conducted between the countries' heads of state have also helped to build a special trusted relationship.

This year's 50th anniversary of both nations' diplomatic relations got off to a positive start with a phone call between Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, followed by a visit to Vietnam made in September by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko.

This official visit to Japan by President Thuong and his wife clearly symbolises the current period as being best for the relationship between Japan and Vietnam, Ambassador Takio emphasised.

Talking about priority areas that the two countries need to focus on in order to propel their bilateral ties forward, the diplomat said that in terms of economics, Japan is keen to support its firms in continuing investing in the Vietnamese market, particularly in the context of the country growing economically and shifting supply chains.

Both parties can train highly skilled human resources in the field of information technology. Indeed, Japan is keen to show the potential that exists for the two countries to become innovation partners in green and digital transformation. In addition, Japan also desires to restore ODA capital, especially in infrastructure co-operation.

Besides, politically, Japan affirms that Vietnam is an important partner in carrying out the goal of “a free and open Indo-Pacific”. While the situation in areas such as the East Sea becomes increasingly complicated, the Japanese side will deepen links to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the spirit of rule of law.

​With regard to people-to-people and cultural exchanges, exchange activities and visits between the two countries at all levels are increasing rapidly, including visits by state leaders.

“There are about 500,000 Vietnamese people living in Japan. In the future, we will further enhance cultural, sports and tourism exchanges between young generations and between localities, and expand the scope of citizen and cultural exchanges,” the Ambassador added.