Vietnam and Japan have reached an agreement on steps to further the strategic partnership in the coming period, including strategic infrastructure development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio. Source: VGP

The information was revealed during a press conference held after the meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Japanese counterpart Kishida Fumio, who is on a visit to Vietnam from April 30 – to May 1.

Prime Minister Chinh welcomed Fumio’s visit to Vietnam, which reflects the high priority Japan has given to Vietnam as well as the affection of the Japanese Prime Minister to the country.

Chinh noted that both sides highlighted the strong progress in implementing high-level agreements reached between the two prime ministers last November in Tokyo while stressing commitment to further bolster the “extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia” in a new phase in the spirit of “sincere, affection, trust, substantiality and efficiency”.

Support an independent and self-sufficient Vietnam

Under this context, the two prime ministers would continue measures to ensure an independent and self-sufficient Vietnam with an active mindset on global integration; promote industrialization and comprehensive partnership in the fields of trade, investment, science, technology, training-education, politics, defense-security.

Vietnam and Japan have agreed on efforts to accelerate the development of strategic infrastructure in Vietnam, including the progress of strategic transport projects of the North-South Expressway, urban railway, or North-South railway.

The two leaders witness the signing of an agreement between Vietnam's Sovico and Japan's Marubeni Corporation, TJERA Co., in urban infrastructure development.

Signing 21 cooperation agreements

Vietnam and Japan would strengthen cooperation in economic recovery during the post-pandemic period, along with enhancing the linkage between the two economies in supply chains, investment, trade, supporting industries, digitalization, innovation, smart city, and hi-tech farming or energy transition.

Both countries are expected to give priority to new initiatives for mutual benefits, such as ”partners in technological innovation”, “supply chain enhancement”, and “digitalization.”

Vietnam is expected to export longan to Japan for the first time in September 2022.

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said the country would continue to support Vietnam in socio-economic development.

In response, Chinh said the Vietnamese Government is determined to effectively manage  Japan’s ODA funds, while striving to create a more favorable business environment for investors, including those from Japan.

On this occasion, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of 21 cooperation agreements in various fields including climate change response, digitalization, supply chain diversification, and infrastructure development, which showcase the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

A signing agreement for cooperation between the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam and the Ministry of Information and Communication in digitalization.

The two leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the East Sea, Ukraine-Russia conflicts, and non-traditional security risks.

Vietnam and Japan would enhance cooperation to ensure peace, and stability in the region, stressing the significance of maintaining peace, security, and freedom of navigation on the East Sea.

Any dispute in these waters should be settled via peaceful means based on the UN Convention of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, along with the full effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the soon finalization of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Regarding the situation in Ukraine, both countries reaffirmed the necessity to comply with international law and the UN charter, especially the principles of respecting the independence and sovereignty of a country and its lawful rights; refraining from using force in international relations; calling for all concerning parties to turn to dialogue for long-term solutions.

Vietnam is willing to support humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts in this regard, including the initial contribution of US$500,000 for Ukraine via international humanitarian groups.

Vietnam and Japan have agreed to jointly host events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2023, and promote locality-to-locality cooperation, cultural/people-to-people exchanges, or tourism.

These efforts, in turn, are expected to open a new chapter in Vietnam-Japan relations.

Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio thanked the Vietnamese Government for its warm welcome and expressed his satisfaction at visiting  Vietnam less than a  year after his Vietnamese counterpart visited Japan last November.

Kishida said as a member of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance for many years, he is bonded with the Southeast Asian country.

He expected the two countries to continue diversifying supply chains, promoting digitalization and technological cooperation under Japan’s initiatives for the future of Asia.

Kishida stressed his commitment to open a new chapter for Vietnam-Japan relations, especially at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.