"Sharing the same culture, the same people, the same continent" - a statement by the patriot Phan Boi Chau (1867-1940), along with the "shared heart" of two friends, the Vietnam-Japan relationship is as natural as "rivers, streams, and clouds," "until the flowers bloom," passing a milestone marks a new chapter in history, and the future continues to be illuminated...
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| President Vo Van Thuong and his wife met with the Emperor and Empress of Japan. |
The meeting between President Vo Van Thuong and his wife and the Japanese Emperor and Empress lasted more than an hour longer than expected, with lingering reluctance to leave, recalling the times when Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited Vietnam in 2017 and ran over schedule.
Speaking at the Japanese Parliament – the oldest legislative body in Asia – the Vietnamese head of state recalled his own youthful memories associated with the hospitable and friendly people of Japan – a country as beautiful as cherry blossoms with souls as profound as Haiku poetry. Furthermore, throughout the visit, the leaders of both countries repeatedly mentioned the "fated connection" stemming from people-to-people exchanges dating back over 1,000 years…
This feeling is enough to show that the visit was not merely an official visit, but also represented a reunion of genuine friendships. The visit didn't just tell the story of the present, but also conveyed a message of gratitude and appreciation for the past, strengthening confidence in the future. Besides talks and meetings, the visit also included heartwarming moments in Japan – the President reconnecting with old friends (including politicians), meeting with Japanese homestay families who had hosted Vietnamese youth through exchange programs, and encouraging young entrepreneurs at a Vietnamese banh mi shop in the heart of bustling Tokyo…
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| President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. |
A new framework built on unwavering trust.
The joy that lasted throughout the visit stemmed from the "good news" announced by President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio immediately after their talks: an agreement to upgrade bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. This is a significant event, opening a new chapter and expanding the scope for cooperation between Vietnam and Japan to develop in a substantive, comprehensive, effective, and closely linked manner, meeting the interests of both sides and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. Thus, more than ever, this new framework reflects the high level of political trust and maturity of Vietnam-Japan relations.
Having weathered many historical ups and downs, the two countries officially established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in bilateral relations on September 21, 1973. Since then, over a long period of half a century, with cultural similarities, overlapping interests, political trust, and especially with the tireless efforts of generations of leaders and people of both countries, the cooperative and friendly relations between the two countries have developed strongly, substantively, extensively, and achieved many important and significant accomplishments in almost all fields. Political, defense and security, economic, cultural, educational, local, and people-to-people exchanges have been strengthened through all channels; developing substantively and increasingly deeply, becoming solid bridges for the sustainable and long-term development of bilateral relations.
“Images of cherry blossoms, kimonos… are becoming increasingly familiar in Vietnam. Conversely, aspects of Vietnamese culture, such as the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), lotus flowers, and favorite Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi… are gradually becoming familiar in Japan,” Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son cited as examples in his remarks at the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, held during his visit.
The "sweet fruits" of five decades of enduring connection form a solid foundation for the two nations to confidently move forward together into the future, in keeping with the spirit of Vietnam-Japan partnership, looking towards the future and reaching global heights.
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| President Vo Van Thuong held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio on November 27. |
A new direction in "every moment"
The new framework means that the two countries have new directions for a comprehensive new journey. Through the Joint Statement and exchanges, both sides reached a high degree of consensus on major and important directions in bilateral relations in the coming period. These "guiding principles" are summarized in the "six enhancements" that the President emphasized when speaking at the Japanese Parliament.
Firstly, further strengthen political trust, exchange high-level and other delegations, creating a solid foundation for bilateral relations in all fields, including through Party, State, Government, and Parliament channels, and exchanges between parliamentarians and parliamentary representatives of both countries.
Secondly, we will strengthen the linkages between the two economies, identifying economic cooperation as a central pillar; we expect Japan to support Vietnam in successfully implementing industrialization and modernization. Vietnam is committed to being an attractive destination for Japanese businesses.
Thirdly, strengthen cooperation on defense and security based on the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-Japan Defense Cooperation towards the next decade.
Fourth, further strengthen cooperation at the local level, in education and training, culture, tourism, labor, and people-to-people exchanges.
Fifth, strengthen cooperation in new areas. Vietnam expects Japan to become an investor and strategic partner in the fields of clean, renewable energy and climate change adaptation.
Sixth, strengthen cooperation and coordination in multilateral and regional forums. The future of Vietnam and Japan is linked to peace, stability, and development in the region and globally.
In that spirit and with that momentum, President Vo Van Thuong concluded his speech with a determination to build a relationship between the two countries that is truly: "Sincere friends, reliable partners, strategic cooperation, and a sustainable future."
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| The 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan was celebrated. President Vo Van Thuong and his wife Phan Thi Thanh Tam, along with Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, attended the ceremony. |
Old friendships become even deeper.
"Friendship" is perhaps a distinctive feature of the Vietnam-Japan relationship and between the individual leaders of the two countries throughout their long history of bilateral relations.
Throughout the visit, the Japanese side extended a very special welcome to the President, his wife, and the Vietnamese delegation. The Emperor and Empress hosted a cordial and respectful reception and exchange with the President and his wife. The President held numerous meetings and discussions with leaders of the Imperial Family, the Government, the National Assembly, and a large number of socio-economic organizations, friendship associations, and politicians who have made significant contributions to relations with Vietnam…; and together with Japanese leaders and friends, attended the solemn ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations held at the Meiji Imperial Guest House…
Even after many years have passed, President Vo Van Thuong still cherishes fond memories of the Japanese homestay families who helped him personally and many Vietnamese youth through youth exchange programs.
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| President Vo Van Thuong delivered a speech at the Japanese Parliament. |
In his speech to the National Assembly, the President affirmed that the close relationship between Vietnam and Japan is a precious asset. Even in the Japanese Parliament, one-third of the members are members of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance. They are a crucial bridge in the relationship between the two countries. The close ties and long-standing friendship are the glue that has bound the two countries' relationship together, ensuring its steady development over the past 50 years and its continued strength for the next 50 years and beyond.
Tomorrow will be different; flowers will bloom on the lands once ravaged by the devastating tsunami, and rice will ripen golden on the land once riddled with bombs and stray bullets. This is like the image that Senate President Otsuji Hidehisa used after the President's speech to the National Assembly, highlighting the similarities in the admirable qualities of the two nations: like the lotus flower of Vietnam and the cherry blossom of Japan, always knowing how to overcome difficulties and adversity, rising up and spreading their fragrance.
Both countries, having risen from the depths of adversity, understand the value of companionship and shared aspirations for the future. President Vo Van Thuong's visit to the land of cherry blossoms concluded with joyful celebration, marking a new chapter in history where Vietnam and Japan, as "two friends," walk side-by-side, in close friendship and striving for a better future for both nations.
| Through his speech at the Japanese Parliament, the President conveyed a message to all leaders and the vast majority of Japanese people about a Vietnam that is reformed, open, peace-loving, and aspires to development; about its independent, self-reliant, peaceful, cooperative, and diversified foreign policy; about being a friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community; and about the desire to strengthen cooperation and share benefits and development opportunities with Japan. |
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