NA Chairman Man expressed his delight at meeting Obuchi Yuko and other senior members of the alliance, following their previous meeting during his official visit to Japan in December 2024.

Congratulating Obuchi on her recent election as Chairwoman of the alliance, he expressed confidence that she will continue the legacy of her father, late Prime Minister Obuchi Keizo, in advancing Japan–Vietnam ties.

For her part, Obuchi extended condolences over the loss of Vietnamese lives in the tourist boat capsizing in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh province, at the end of July, as well as the recent damage caused by landslides and flash floods following Typhoon Wipha in Dien Bien, Nghe An, and Son La provinces. She also shared her impressions of Vietnam’s vibrant economy and dynamism, expressing strong confidence in the success of the country’s ongoing reform and future strong growth.

Chairman Man highlighted the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan and underscored the importance of deepening bilateral ties in a more extensive, substantive and effective manner to make them stronger and more comprehensive in the time ahead.

He noted that the robust collaboration between the Vietnamese NA and Japan’s National Diet, particularly between the two nations’ parliamentary friendship groups, is a hallmark of bilateral relations, contributing to deepening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

The top legislator called on Obuchi to support Japan’s continued cooperation with Vietnam in realising its key development goals including scientific research, high-quality workforce training, hi-tech investment in agriculture, energy transitions, innovation, green and digital transformation, and the semiconductor industry.

He also suggested expanding exchanges between parliamentarians, especially female and young lawmakers, and further leveraging the legislative role in creating favourable legal frameworks for bilateral cooperation.

The host also called for the creation of favourable conditions for citizens of both countries to live and work, and for continued close cooperation and mutual support on regional and international issues of shared concern, including within multilateral frameworks such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).

He welcomed the delegation’s participation in an investment promotion event in Can Tho, saying it could unlock new cooperation opportunities between Japan and Vietnam’s Mekong Delta localities.

Obuchi affirmed her commitment to deepening parliamentary exchanges and enhancing economic cooperation — a key pillar in the bilateral relationship. She cited potential areas for collaboration that have been agreed upon by both countries’ leaders, including digital transformation, green transition, semiconductor workforce development, infrastructure, urban rail, locality-to-locality partnerships, and cultural exchanges.

She expressed hope that the delegation’s participation in the “Meet Japan – Mekong Delta region” event in Can Tho city would enhance their understanding of the region’s potential and further promote Japan–Vietnam cooperation.

Vietnam, Japan to bolster parliamentary friendship, multifaceted ties

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Organisation Commission Le Minh Hung hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 5 for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki.