PM Le Minh Hung made the remarks at a joint press meeting with Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi in Hanoi after their talks on May 2.

He said the meeting is a reunion of close friends to continue and develop a relationship built over more than 13 centuries. From early religious exchanges, longstanding bonds and friendships to mutual support during the pandemic, all show that the friendship between the two peoples has remained steady and resilient.

Noting that Japan is Vietnam’s Comprehensive Strategic Partner and ranks first in ODA and labour cooperation, third in investment and fourth in trade, Hung said that in 2025 ODA cooperation increased by more than US$600 million, two-way trade for the first time exceeded US$50 billion, and investment rose by nearly US$4 billion with close to 300 new projects. Dozens of cooperation projects in science and technology, semiconductors, digital transformation, green transition, renewable energy and space are being actively carried out.

During the visit, the two sides signed six key documents in areas including space technology, information and communications, irrigation, climate-resilient infrastructure and carbon growth.

Agreement on a priority list of cooperation areas in science and technology, innovation, digital transformation and economic security serves as an important basis for implementing concrete projects in the period ahead.

At the talks, the two PMs agreed on major directions to advance the Vietnam-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into a new stage with concrete outcomes.

First, both sides will continue to consolidate political trust through expanded practical cooperation in defence, security and diplomacy. They will continue to implement ministerial-level cooperation mechanisms in diplomacy, trade, industry and energy, science and technology, as well as the deputy minister-level 2+2 dialogue on foreign affairs and defence.

They will also implement defence and security agreements, and expand cooperation in maritime law enforcement capacity, war legacy issues, cybersecurity, UN peacekeeping operations and efforts to combat transnational crime.

Second, both sides will step up economic cooperation, including economic security, energy security and sustainable agriculture. They agreed on measures to raise Japanese investment in Vietnam to US$5 billion per year and raise bilateral trade to US$60 billion by 2030.

The two sides will encourage Japanese companies to invest in high-tech projects linked with technology transfer, while supporting Vietnamese firms investing and operating in Japan and participating in Japanese government-funded projects.

They will also promote market access for agricultural products, with an initial focus on opening the market for Vietnamese green-skinned pomelo and Japanese grapes. At the same time, both sides will enhance ODA cooperation, support economic and food security, diversify supply chains, contribute to energy security and strengthen each country’s strategic autonomy.

Third, both sides will work to boost cooperation in science and technology, green transition, digital transformation, AI and semiconductors, with priority given to high-quality human resource development and joint research projects in semiconductors, artificial intelligence and space technology. They consented to convene the Joint Committee on science and technology cooperation in 2026 and to organise a public-private dialogue on high technology.

They will also soon implement cooperation projects under the POWERR ASIA initiative to support energy security in Asia, under which Japan will help arrange crude oil supply for the Nghi Son refinery.

PM Hung welcomed the announcement by both sides of co-funding 15 Vietnam–Japan joint research projects on semiconductors under the NEXUS programme and thanked Japan for supporting Vietnam in implementing the one-million-hectare high-quality, low-emission rice project in the Mekong Delta.

Fourth, both sides will further intensify people-to-people exchanges and human resource linkages through cooperation in localities, labour, healthcare, culture and tourism. The second Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum will be held in Vietnam in 2026.

The Vietnamese Government leader welcomed Japan’s inclusion of Vietnam in its list of 24 attractive destinations for Japanese tourists and its continued support for Vietnamese nationals living, studying and working in Japan.

Fifth, both sides will enhance coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums and on issues of shared concern.

The two PMs reaffirmed the importance of resolving disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam supports Japan’s regional initiatives, including the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), in connection with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and beyond.

On this occasion, Hung invited Takaichi to attend the APEC 2027 Summit in Phu Quoc, Vietnam, and said Vietnam will take part in GREEN EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, Japan.

For her part, Takaichi said Vietnam, like Hanoi’s historical name Thang Long, meaning “soaring dragon”, is developing at an impressive pace in recent years. As an important link in global supply chains, many Japanese companies have expanded investment in Vietnam. In an increasingly complex international environment, Vietnam has emphasised strategic autonomy and pursued an active and proactive foreign policy.

She said strengthening cooperation with Vietnam is important for promoting the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), and this is why she is visiting Vietnam.

Host and guest concurred to bolster cooperation to build a stronger and more prosperous Japan, Vietnam and Indo-Pacific region.

In economic cooperation, both sides identified economic security as a new priority area, including energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors and space. In response to developments in the Middle East, the two sides also agreed to consider support from the Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) for crude oil imports for the Nghi Son refinery, as the first project under the “Power Asia” initiative launched by the Japanese prime minister.

They also consented to strengthen coordination to ensure stable supply of critical minerals and reinforce supply chains.

In security and foreign affairs, both sides will further ramp up security cooperation to maintain peace and stability in the region. In people-to-people exchanges, both sides agreed to strengthen consular cooperation to facilitate exchanges between the two countries.

On international issues, the two sides exchanged views on developments in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Middle East, the East Sea and issues related to the Korean Peninsula, such as nuclear and missile programmes and abducted citizens.

They also reaffirmed the importance of expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in a strategic manner while maintaining high standards, in the context of Vietnam’s chairmanship this year.

Takaichi said she will visit Vietnam National University to share views on the future of Vietnam-Japan cooperation and Japan’s FOIP vision.

She expressed hope to clearly convey Japan’s vision for the international order and foreign policy direction, and to work with PM Hung to take Vietnam-Japan relations to a new height.

Vietnam values growing ties with Japan: diplomat

Vietnam attaches great importance to the increasingly close and effective Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan, as well as the close and foundational ties between their Communist Parties, Ambassador Do Hung Viet has said.