Japan is among Vietnam’s key economic partners in various fields such as official development assistance (ODA), investment, trade, labor and tourism, Vietnamese State President Vo Van Thuong told a reception for Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko in Hanoi on Tuesday.

He also affirmed that the cooperation between the two nations’ localities and people-to-people exchange have flourished mightily.

Nearly 100 pairs of localities under Japan and Vietnam are cooperating in numerous sectors, while some 500,000 Vietnamese are living in Japan.

During his reception for Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko, Vietnamese State President proposes the Japanese side create favorable conditions for Vietnamese people to live, work and study in Japan. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

The top Vietnamese official applauded the guest’s contributions to the Vietnam-Japan relations in her different positions over the years.

The state president proposed the two nations keep boosting all-level delegation exchange to further cement the Vietnam – Japan friendship, and deepen political trust.

As for regional and international issues, State President Thuong underscored that Vietnam is willing to join hands with Japan to contribute to the success of the ASEAN – Japan Summit slated for late 2023.

With great strides in the Vietnam – Japan relations, the Japanese minister underlined that the bilateral partnership is eligible for a higher level.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko expected the two nations to expand their partnership in new fields such as digitalization and green transition.

Vietnam plays an important role in Japan’s diplomatic strategies, so Japan will continue collaborating with Vietnam at regional and international forums, said the top Japanese official.

On the same day, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Japanese Minister Yoko.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko on October 10, 2023. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

During their talks, PM Chinh proposed Japan provide Vietnam with new-generation ODA loans for large-scale strategic traffic infrastructure projects such as roads and railways.

Appreciating the ODA loans that have been offered to Vietnam over the past many years, the prime minister hoped that the two nations will strengthen their cooperation to speed up work on metro line projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the second campus of Cho Ray Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vietnamese government leader affirmed that Vietnam will keep improving investment climate, and infrastructure, simplify business procedures, and upskill workforce to make the country more attractive to foreign investors, especially Japanese ones.

On the other hand, PM Chinh suggested the Japanese government create favorable conditions for Vietnamese companies to join Japan’s global supply chain.

Yoko told PM Chinh that the Japanese government prioritizes partnership in training with Vietnam. As such, she expected the two nations to team up with to build a Vietnam – Japan university, and turn it into one of symbols of the bilateral ties.

The top Japanese diplomat also emphasized during a meeting with Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son that Japan attaches much significance to the relationship with Vietnam, and expects to bolster the Vietnam – Japan strategic partnership.

Minister Son proposed the Japanese side simplify procedures of granting visas to Vietnamese citizens.

He also hinted at listing Vietnam among nations eligible for e-visas, and 5- or 10-year visa validity to move toward visa exemption.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) shakes hands with Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Yoko. Photo: World and Vietnam Report

Yoko arrived in Vietnam on the same day, starting her two-day visit to Vietnam at the invitation of her Vietnamese counterpart Son.

Vietnam is one of the first destinations during her overseas trip after Yoko took office on September 13.

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