President's Visit to Open Up New Chapter in Vietnam-Japan Bilateral Ties

President Vo Van Thuong and his wife received the Japanese Crown Prince and Princess at the Presidential Palace in September 2023. Photo: VNA

What is the meaning of this visit of President Vo Van Thuong and his wife to Japan?

The official visit to Japan by President Vo Van Thuong and his wife is of utmost importance. This is the first visit to Japan of President Vo Van Thuong as Head of State, right on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of relations between the two countries.

Relations between the two countries over the past 50 years, especially after 9 years of upgrading to an extensive strategic partnership in 2014, achieved many strong, outstanding, and comprehensive developments with high political trust.

These are achievements in all fields of economy, trade, investment, defense-security, culture-education, agriculture, health, labor, people-to-people exchange, and local cooperation.

In 2023, the two countries organize nearly 500 practical and meaningful activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, contributing to strengthening and deepening the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Both Vietnam and Japan attach great importance to this visit by President Vo Van Thuong.

Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu spoke at the press conference. Photo: VNA

This is an important political event, an opportunity for senior leaders of the two countries to discuss and agree on major directions and specific measures to deepen the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

This meets the interests and is in accordance with the aspirations of the two peoples, contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. The visit will open up a new chapter in Vietnam-Japan relations.

For Vietnam-Japan relations, 2023 is an important year when both countries have made efforts to organize a series of activities in different fields to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. What do you think about that journey?

In 2023, Vietnam and Japan celebrate 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations from 1973-2023.

This is a good opportunity to bring the two countries' relations into a new stage of development while building and shaping the framework for Vietnam-Japan-friendly cooperation in the next 50 years.

This is also an event for our ministries and localities to strengthen multi-faceted cooperation and friendly exchanges with Japan.

In 2023, the two sides deployed many diverse activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. High-level and all-level exchanges took place vibrantly. Many economic exchange activities such as organizing seminars, economic discussions, and weeks introducing Vietnamese products are held with high frequency.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu welcomed Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko to visit Vietnam in September 2023. Photo: VNA

During his official visit to Vietnam in May 2022, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio emphasized that the potential for cooperation between the two countries is limitless. How do you evaluate this potential?

From May 2023, I am honored to take on the responsibility of Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan.

Over a short period of time, I felt the broad support of Japanese leaders, politicians, the business community, and the Japanese people for the development of Vietnam-Japan relations, bringing relations between the two countries to a new level, especially in 2023, the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

The economies of Vietnam and Japan are highly complementary. Vietnam has a population of more than 100 million people, a dynamic, fast-growing economy with an abundant labor force.

Vietnam has a stable economic and political environment, favorable conditions for investment and business, and is considered by Japanese friends to be an attractive and reliable investment destination.

Vietnam's economic growth prospects are opening up opportunities for cooperation with businesses from Japan, a leading industrialized country with advantages in capital, technology, and management. Cooperation in the fields of ODA, FDI, trade, and tourism has been effective and continues to create great benefits for both countries.

Activity to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. Photo: VNA

You said that Vietnam-Japan relation is at the best stage in history. What are the important foundations of this good result?

The relationship between the two countries has high strategic trust.

Through many ups and downs, and changes in the world and in the regions, the two countries' relations witnessed rapid, outstanding, and comprehensive development.

Up to now, the two countries have become extremely important partners, sharing strategic benefits.

The two countries regularly exchange high-level delegations and organize meetings on the sidelines of international and regional conferences.

This strengthens the relationship between the leaders of the two countries, setting out major directions for effective development in bilateral relations in all fields.

They contribute to peace, stability, and development in the Asia-Pacific region, in accordance with each country's foreign policy. Japan is the leading G7 country in promoting relations with Vietnam (establishing a strategic partnership in 2009, and recognizing market economy status for Vietnam in 2011).

The two peoples of Vietnam and Japan have many similarities in culture, customs, and long-standing exchanges. This relationship has been nurtured by generations to become as close and intimate as it is today. The people of the two countries always sympathize, share, and support each other in difficulties.

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