Vietnam, Japan seek stronger extensive strategic partnership

The Vietnamese official paid courtesy visits to Toshimitsu Motegi, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Kazuo Shii, chairman of the Japanese Communist Party, Hiroshige Seko, secretary-general of LDP in the House of Councillors, Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura. He also held meetings with representatives of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), as well as officials of Hokkaido Prefecture.

During the course of meetings and working sessions with the leaders of Japanese agencies and political parties, Anh expressed his delight at the strong, comprehensive, and substantive development made in the joint relationship within the framework of the 'Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia’. Indeed, the framework is notable for featuring a high level of political trust that is increasingly enhanced through high-level and regular exchanges.

Anh stressed that the nation views Japan as one of its foremost important economic partners which continues to support and accompanies the nation in its international integration process and socio-economic development.

The country therefore gives priority to developing relations with Japan, he stated, while expressing hope that both sides will expand co-operation across a multitude of fields, including politics, economics, defence and security; as well as promoting exchange and cooperation between the governments and stakeholders of the two countries.

He suggested the Japanese Government and competent agencies in the Far East country continue to support and offer favourable conditions for the nearly 500,000 overseas Vietnamese living, working, and studying in Japan.

The official also outlined orientations for promoting bilateral ties in the near future, including increasing the exchange of all-level delegations, fostering co-operation between the CPV and Japanese political parties, as well as introducing Vietnamese foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of relations and international integration.

Both sides should strive to deepen linkages across a variety of fields, especially in terms of the economy, trade, and investment co-operation, he added.

He said he hopes Japan will continue to co-operate and support Vietnam in carrying out its three strategic breakthroughs, accelerating the implementation of large-scale projects; developing Vietnamese strategic infrastructure, enhancing connections between the two economies. This is in addition to helping the country to join new supply chains deeply and effectively, speed up digital transformation and the development of smart cities, improve human resources, and responding to non-traditional security challenges.

He used the occasion to thank Japan for inviting Vietnam to attend the 2023 G7 summit which will be held in Hiroshima in May this year.

For their part, the Japanese representatives expressed great appreciation and support for the development of friendship and co-operation between the two countries. They highlighted the significance of Vietnamese official’s visit amid both nations celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

They therefore congratulated Vietnam on development achievements, affirming that the Japanese side considers the nation as an important partner in its policy, with co-operation with Vietnam holding strategic significance.

Japan is therefore willing to work and exchange measures aimed at advancing bilateral and multilateral relations in areas that benefit both sides as a contribution to taking the Vietnam – Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia to new heights, they added.