Strengthening Vietnam-Japan Relations: A Recent Meeting Overview

In a warm meeting, Emperor Naruhito thanked Vietnam for its assistance after the Noto Peninsula earthquake and conveyed sympathies for the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi in September.

As the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2023, Chairman Tran Thanh Man noted the significant growth in connections between Vietnam and Japan, spanning various sectors including politics and culture. He expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support of Vietnam’s development initiatives.

Earlier in the day, Chairman Tran Thanh Man engaged in discussions with Lower House Chairman Nukaga Fukushiro. Chairman Nukaga reiterated Japan’s perspective of Vietnam as a crucial partner in its regional foreign policy.

Highlighting Vietnam’s perspective, Chairman Tran Thanh Man affirmed Japan as one of its key and longstanding strategic allies. Both leaders acknowledged the advancements in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and agreed on enhancing cooperation via various channels, such as party exchanges, government interactions, legislative collaborations, and people-to-people initiatives.

Talks also included potential agreements aimed at bolstering interactions between Vietnam’s National Assembly and Japan’s Lower House, with a focus on legislative exchanges and mutual expertise sharing.

On defense and security matters, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation, including sharing defense technologies and participating in joint United Nations peacekeeping missions. Japan committed to ongoing support for Vietnam’s recovery from past conflicts and its disaster response efforts.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man urged Japan to introduce a new generation of Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects, highlighting the importance of favorable concession rates and simplified processes for substantial infrastructure initiatives. He also called for Japan’s assistance in training skilled human resources for Vietnam.

In reply, Chairman Nukaga expressed Japan’s dedication to boosting economic collaboration, particularly in diversifying supply chains, and acknowledged the rising interest of Japanese companies in expanding investments within Vietnam.

Later, Chairman Tran Thanh Man met with Nikai Toshihiro, the Chairman of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance. He praised the significant impact of the alliance on bilateral relations, especially under the guidance of both Nikai Toshihiro and former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted the need for improved cooperation in green transitions, digital reforms, and renewable energy, commending the alliance’s role in nurturing business partnerships. Nikai Toshihiro thanked him for the acknowledgement and promised ongoing efforts to reinforce the ties between the two nations.

During a special ceremony, Chairman Tran Thanh Man awarded the Third-Class Labor Order to Nikai Toshihiro for his impactful contributions to the relationship and also presented the Friendship Medal to the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture.