Brian Jeffrey
On October 11, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba during the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits. This was their inaugural discussion since Ishiba’s assumption of office.
Prime Minister Chinh congratulated Ishiba and highlighted Vietnam’s view of Japan as a vital and reliable partner. He supported Japan’s involvement in promoting regional and global peace and development.
Chinh underscored the need to bolster economic collaboration, which he identified as essential for their bilateral ties. He urged for improved economic connections, security collaborations, and swifter progress on significant joint projects. He also promised to create a conducive environment for over 2,000 Japanese companies to invest and operate successfully in Vietnam.
In a notable request, Chinh recommended that Japan contemplate new ODA loans aimed at enhancing strategic infrastructure, urban railways, high-speed railways, and climate adaptation efforts in different Vietnamese regions.
He further urged Japan to expand cooperation into innovative areas, including digital transformation, green energy, circular economy, semiconductors, and AI development. Additionally, he sought stronger partnerships in labor and the development of skilled workforce training, while expressing hope for Japan’s continued support for the Vietnamese community within its borders.
Ishiba expressed satisfaction with their first meeting and commended Chinh’s role in strengthening Vietnam-Japan relations. He reiterated Vietnam’s significance as a strategic partner in Japan’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Initiative and expressed hopes for deeper bilateral ties.
Recognizing the value of Vietnam’s labor force, Ishiba promised to facilitate programs that allow Vietnamese workers and interns to study and work in Japan, which includes the “Employment Program for Skill Development.” He also expressed support for Vietnam in enhancing high-quality human resource training.
Ishiba agreed with Chinh’s proposals for enhancing economic and investment collaboration. He committed to working on removing barriers to further facilitate cooperation between the two nations.
Both leaders agreed on the necessity of building political trust through high-level exchanges and discussed enhancing defense, security cooperation, and effectively tackling regional challenges.
On the same day, Chinh met with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. They agreed to have their respective agencies ensure the successful execution of past agreements.
Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam and noted that elevating their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a significant milestone.
Australia committed to continuing to prioritize ODA contributions to Vietnam, particularly in areas where assistance is crucial, including climate adaptation, energy transition, and digital transformation.
Chinh urged Australia to actively promote dialogue and trust-building via ASEAN frameworks, while respecting ASEAN’s centrality and advocating for regional development initiatives in the Mekong area.
On the same day, Chinh met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Chinh expressed gratitude to Modi for the assistance provided in the form of relief supplies worth $1 million for communities impacted by Typhoon Yagi.
He also expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of his recent visit to India and praised their ongoing cooperation based on this visit.
Looking to the future, the two prime ministers agreed to sustain high-level exchanges and increase direct flights between major cities to support trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Modi acknowledged the success of the recent ASEAN Summits held in Laos, citing their significant regional impact.
Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to mutual support and collaboration in international forums such as the UN, ASEAN, and related mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of maritime and air security and the peaceful resolution of disputes per international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
