Vietnam and Japan have agreed to upgrade their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, following official talks between Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Tokyo on November 27 (local time), VNS reported.

The Vietnamese leader was on an official visit to Japan on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong holds talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during his official visit in Tokyo on Monday. Photo: TG&VN

President Thuong said, “This marks an important milestone that opens a new chapter of the Vietnam-Japan relations to be more practical, comprehensive, effective, connected and mutually beneficial, while also contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the countries and the world.”

The two countries would also promote cooperation in several areas, one of them being the economic sector.

The Japanese PM said that Vietnam was an essential partner to Japan in realizing its initiative “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” (FOIP).

Vietnam was also an important stop in Japan’s supply chain, he said.

The two countries would also work together in industries of the future, such as high technology and human resources training for this sector.

PM Kishida said, “Vietnam’s human resources play an indispensable role in Japan’s socio-economic progress.”

Vietnam and Japan would also boost exchanges between young people and localities in terms of culture, sports, and tourism.

The two countries would also promote cooperation and support for national defense equipment. Regarding national defense and security, the two leaders agreed to promote exchanges, especially at the high level, on an annual basis in diverse formats.

Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during his official visit to Tokyo on Monday. Photo: TG&VN

Vietnam and Japan would effectively implement the existing cooperation mechanisms and establish new ones for practical, effective defense-security cooperation based on the agreements between the two countries.

The country leaders said they would strengthen the economic links to ensure economic security, with possibilities of expanding cooperation to new areas such as innovation, technology transfer, and digital and green transformation.

“I and PM Kishida Fumio look forward to the official development assistance (ODA) from Japan to Vietnam in 2023 reaching JPY 100 billion (USD 671 million),” said President Thuong.

“This is an important foundation for both countries to maintain and boost ODA cooperation in the next years, focusing on strategic infrastructure, digital and green transformation, climate change adaptation, and health care,” he added.

PM Kishida also said that Japan would continue to support Vietnam in building a strong, independent, self-reliant, industrialized, and modern Vietnam, as well as Vietnam’s commitments to the net-zero target by 2050.

Japan would also facilitate Vietnamese companies’ access to the Japanese businesses-led global supply chain.

At the talks, the two country leaders also emphasized the necessity to maintain an open and free international order in alignment with international laws and coordinate in regional and global forums on matters of mutual concern, including the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issues.

They agreed to support maritime and aviation safety and security, addressing disputes and conflicts through peaceful means based on international laws, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

President Thuong’s visit from November 27-30 is his first official visit to Japan as the head of state, and the fourth by a Vietnamese State leader since the two countries set up their diplomatic relations 50 years ago.

It is taking place in the context that Vietnam and Japan have enjoyed fruitful cooperation in all fields.

Co-chairing an international press conference together with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio right after their talks in Tokyo, the Vietnamese President, described the adoption of the joint statement on the elevation of the Vietnam - Japan relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” as an important event ushering in a new chapter in the bilateral ties.

Considering the Vietnamese manpower as indispensable to Japan’s socio-economic development, the host leader said the two countries will expand exchanges between their young people and localities, along with cultural, sports, and tourism ties.

Japan and Vietnam will also intensify cooperation at regional and international forums and work together to consolidate and maintain international order and freedom with adherence to the law, the PM added.

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