Joint press release on the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru at a press conference between the two countries. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

1. On the occasion of the official visit of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from April 27-29, 2025, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh had a high-level meeting on April 28, 2025 in Hanoi .

2. The two Prime Ministers expressed their delight at the strong, comprehensive and substantive development of the Vietnam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world after more than one year of upgrading, affirming that they will closely coordinate and further strengthen the Vietnam - Japan bilateral cooperation towards a new era for Vietnam.

The contents related to promoting important specific cooperation projects, including security-defense-diplomacy, economy, people-to-people exchange, local cooperation, culture-education, cooperation in multilateral mechanisms and plans for the coming time are mentioned in points 3,4,5,6 as below.

3. On political - security - defense - diplomatic cooperation

(1) The two Prime Ministers affirmed to maintain annual high-level exchanges and contacts, and increase exchanges on all channels and at all levels, thereby contributing to strengthening political trust - an important foundation of the Vietnam - Japan bilateral cooperation relationship.

(2) The two Prime Ministers welcomed the progress and agreed to continue to assign relevant agencies to effectively implement bilateral dialogue mechanisms, including mechanisms such as the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee, the Joint Committee on Trade, Energy and Industry, the Vietnam-Japan Joint Committee on Science and Technology, the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative in the New Era, the Vietnam-Japan Agricultural Cooperation Dialogue, the Vietnam-Japan Deputy Ministerial-level Security Dialogue, the Vietnam-Japan Deputy Ministerial-level Defense Dialogue, the Vietnam-Japan Maritime Policy Dialogue, the Vietnam-Japan Maritime Dialogue, etc.

The two Prime Ministers also agreed to closely coordinate towards re-launching the Joint Committee on Science and Technology in 2026. In addition, the two sides agreed to further promote the Maritime Dialogue mechanism.

(3) The two Prime Ministers appreciated the substantive progress in defense cooperation and exchanges between the two countries' Defense Ministries and agreed to strengthen cooperation in the field of security and defense, including further coordination towards building defense equipment and technology cooperation projects.

In order to strengthen strategic dialogue between the two countries, the two Prime Ministers agreed to establish a 2+2 Dialogue mechanism at the Deputy Ministerial level of Foreign Affairs and Defense and hold the first meeting in Japan in 2025.

Regarding Japan's Official Security Assistance (OSA) Program, Vietnam will actively study and respond if there is a specific need.

(4) The two Prime Ministers welcomed the progress in cooperation between the two sides in the field of ensuring safety and security at sea; agreed to promote cooperation to enhance Vietnam's capacity to ensure safety and security at sea.

(5) The two Prime Ministers affirmed to continue to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security, intelligence and police; agreed to expand cooperation in propaganda and dissemination to citizens of one country living in the other country about the laws and regulations of the host country, as well as in responding to and resolving challenges in the field of non-traditional security such as cyber security, economic security, terrorism, international organized crime including online and telephone fraud from abroad, cybercrime and human trafficking.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks to the press of the two countries. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

4. On strengthening economic relations

(1) The two Prime Ministers agreed that clearly improving the investment environment, including administrative procedure reform in Vietnam's new era, is necessary and indispensable for further development of Vietnam-Japan economic relations.

The two sides agreed to study the possibility of cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, DX/GX, energy, strategic infrastructure, disaster prevention, human resource training, and supply chain.

(2) Based on the review of the progress of projects in the List of Vietnam-Japan economic cooperation projects (fact-sheet) that were identified as priorities for promotion by the two sides at the Vietnam-Japan high-level talks in December 2023, the two Prime Ministers highly appreciated the positive developments, especially the obvious developments such as the inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Line 1 Project - a project that can be considered a symbol of Vietnam-Japan economic cooperation, the completion of the expansion of the Binh Hung Wastewater Treatment Plant, the operation of the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant, the implementation of the Project to promote the prevention and control of viral hepatitis in Vietnam, the Vietnamese Government has an official proposal for the Project to build the Vietnam-Japan University using ODA loans...

(3) The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue to closely coordinate to resolve difficulties and promote the progress of ongoing ODA and FDI cooperation projects, creating a solid foundation for the two sides to continue to build and implement new cooperation projects in the coming time.

The two Prime Ministers also affirmed that they will promote efforts to improve the effectiveness of economic cooperation between the two countries by utilizing private capital and advanced technology, while taking into account the requirements of the Vietnamese side, aiming to energize Japan's ODA capital in the new era, promoting the signing of a commitment document between the two countries towards facilitating the implementation of non-refundable aid projects in 2025, as well as considering the possibility of cooperation in projects related to urban railways, climate change response, urban environment improvement, and law enforcement capacity enhancement, based on the progress of the above efforts.

(4) The two Prime Ministers welcomed the attached fact-sheet proposal on Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Projects (Phase 1) with a total scale of about 20 billion USD and the progress in public-private partnership between JBIC and Japanese enterprises in promoting energy transition and agreed to promote cooperation to realize these projects, as well as further efforts on biomass power generation projects, in accordance with the principles of the Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC) on ensuring a balance between emission reduction, economic growth, energy security, as well as achieving carbon neutrality through various forms appropriate to each country's situation.

Towards the construction of LNG thermal power plants in Vietnam in the coming time, the two Prime Ministers affirmed that both sides will make efforts to ensure the necessary business environment, including mechanisms, legality and implementation, on the premise of compliance with Vietnamese laws and on the basis of ensuring benefits for both Vietnam and Japan.

The two Prime Ministers also affirmed that the two sides will continue to cooperate in the field of nuclear energy.

(5) The two Prime Ministers welcomed Japanese economic agencies and organizations, including JBIC, to develop support projects for Japanese medium-sized enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises to invest and expand production in Vietnam, as well as to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between Japanese and Vietnamese enterprises. The Japanese side positively acknowledged the proposal of 29 projects that the Vietnamese side wishes to implement towards emission reduction.

(6) To reduce the gap between localities and cities and enhance resilience to natural disasters, the two Prime Ministers agreed to promote cooperation in the field of natural disaster prevention, especially measures to respond to climate change, flood and landslide prevention, etc. in rural areas of Northern Vietnam.

(7) Based on the goal of Vietnam training 50,000 semiconductor experts by 2030, the two Prime Ministers agreed to promote the development of semiconductor human resources through cooperation with higher education institutions including the Vietnam-Japan University, technical colleges and research institutes.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru speaks to the press of the two countries. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Specifically, the two Prime Ministers agreed that Japan will accept about 250 Vietnamese doctoral students in the field of semiconductors, aiming to train 500 Vietnamese doctors in semiconductors, through the international joint research program of the Japan-ASEAN Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Project (NEXUS), as well as promote the Sakura Scientific Research Program on the exchange of new-generation human resources in the field of advanced science and technology, including the semiconductor field.

(8) To further strengthen the development of human resources - the force that will shoulder the future of the two countries Vietnam - Japan and play the role of global citizens, the two Prime Ministers affirmed to develop the Vietnam - Japan University, a symbolic project in the field of human resource development between the two countries.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed the Japanese side’s decision on the third technical assistance package for the project. The two Prime Ministers acknowledged the Vietnamese side’s wish to start construction of the Vietnam-Japan University in fiscal year 2026 and agreed to accelerate necessary procedures.

(9) The two Prime Ministers agreed to make cooperation in the fields of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation a new pillar in the Vietnam-Japan bilateral relationship, including Japan's support for Vietnam in improving research capacity in the semiconductor field through co-funding joint research cooperation projects on semiconductors within the framework of the NEXUS Program, as well as studying the possibility of cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, etc.

(10) The two Prime Ministers agreed that the Earth observation satellite launch and operation project will expand the cooperation space between Japan and Vietnam to a new height and the two countries will continue to coordinate, including promoting cooperation in human resource training..., to successfully implement this project, including launching the LOTUSat-1 satellite as soon as possible.

(11) The two Prime Ministers welcomed the progress in health cooperation between the two countries and agreed to continue to strengthen health cooperation between the two countries in the fields of prevention of infectious diseases, cancer, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), population aging, health care for the elderly, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to closely coordinate and promote necessary measures of each side towards starting the project to build the Vietnam - Japan Cho Ray Friendship Hospital, Branch 2, before the end of fiscal year 2026. In addition, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the reception and training of Vietnamese human resources in the field of health and medicine at medical faculties of Japanese universities, and agreed to coordinate between the two countries to smoothly implement this program.

(12) The two Prime Ministers agreed to finalize the Medium- and Long-Term Vision on Vietnam-Japan Agricultural Cooperation by 2025, and promote cooperation on digitalization, decarbonization, etc. to build and strengthen sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems to ensure food security in both countries.

(13) The two Prime Ministers agreed to further accelerate intergovernmental expert consultations to unify plant quarantine measures, aiming to complete market opening procedures for Japanese grapes and Vietnamese grapefruit as soon as possible.

(14) The two Prime Ministers agreed to begin intergovernmental consultations on the Vietnam-Japan Insurance Agreement this summer.

(15) Regarding dealing with copyright infringement in cyberspace, the two Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation between relevant agencies, coordinate with the Intellectual Property Office, as well as other relevant parties such as agencies, organizations, police units, etc.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru announced the results of their talks to the press of the two countries. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

5. On people-to-people exchange - local cooperation:

(1) The two Prime Ministers appreciated the fact that the number of Vietnamese people in Japan by 2024 will reach more than 600,000, mainly interns and specific skilled workers, and the number of tourists and return visitors to Japan will also reach 620,000; they agreed on the need to create a favorable environment for citizens of the two countries to travel to promote tourism and people-to-people exchange, aiming for the number of tourists to reach 2 million per year.

The Government of Japan positively acknowledges the Vietnamese Government's wish for Japan to simplify visa procedures, expand the scope of electronic visas and multiple-entry visas for Vietnamese citizens, and affirms that it will disseminate and educate citizens of one country living in the other about the laws and regulations of the host country.

(2) The two Prime Ministers agreed to promote the development of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation on the new labor program "employment for skills development" in 2025. The Japanese Government reaffirmed that it will continue to make efforts to improve the environment, working conditions, living conditions and social security of Vietnamese people in Japan.

(3) The two sides agreed to continue discussing ways to facilitate the extradition of criminals.

(4) The two Prime Ministers highly appreciated the new progress in cooperation between localities of the two countries in recent times and agreed to discuss further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, actively coordinating towards organizing the Vietnam-Japan Local Cooperation Forum chaired by the Vietnamese side, scheduled for the end of 2025.

(5) The two Prime Ministers agreed to closely coordinate towards the success of the Kansai-Osaka Expo in 2025, including the successful organization of Vietnam Day (September 9) within the framework of the event. The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue active discussions on the possibility of Vietnam's participation in the GREEN x EXPO 2027 event hosted by Japan.

(5) The two Prime Ministers agreed to continue promoting cultural cooperation between Vietnam and Japan by utilizing the Next Generation Co-Creation Partnership - WA Culture 2.0, based on Japan's experience in successfully organizing local art festivals, including the Setouchi International Art Festival, thereby contributing to promoting regional development, internationalization as well as enhancing the value of local traditional culture.

(6) The two Prime Ministers affirmed to promote Japanese language training and increase the number of international students studying in Japan on the basis of the recently signed Agreement on Japanese language training.

6. About cooperation at international schools

(1) The two Prime Ministers once again affirmed the awareness and commitment stated in the "Joint Statement on Upgrading Vietnam-Japan Relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" in November 2023, and agreed to promote comprehensive cooperation on international and regional issues of mutual concern, as well as cooperation at multilateral forums, including ASEAN.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to promote comprehensive cooperation to contribute to maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on compliance with international law and multilateral free trade regimes, as well as actively and effectively contributing to maintaining peace, stability, promoting cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed his hope that Japan will continue to promote its leading and important role in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

(2) Prime Minister Ishiba highly appreciated Vietnam's successful organization of the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum and the recent P4G Summit; reaffirmed support for Vietnam to successfully organize APEC Year 2027. The two Prime Ministers agreed to assign relevant ministries and sectors to closely coordinate in successfully organizing the 16th Mekong-Japan Ministerial Meeting and make efforts to soon resume the Mekong-Japan Summit.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology on research and development cooperation in the semiconductor field. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

List of projects "Vietnam - Japan Cooperation Pilot Project 1"

1. Energy management project in industrial parks combining renewable energy, DR, storage batteries... at DEEP C Hai Phong industrial park

2. Van Phong 2 LNG Power Project

3. Block B gas - power project chain

4. Ammonia co-firing project at EVN's thermal power plant

5. Carbon emission reduction and energy management project at Smart city North Hanoi and Thang Long industrial park (on-site)

6. DPPA project jointly implemented within Toyota Tsusho Group in Vietnam

7. V1 - 2 wind power project expansion in Tra Vinh province

8. Quang Ninh LNG Power Project

9. Two-step loan project for local banks to support the construction of JBIC's power transmission network (02 projects)

10. Project to promote the development of Long Duc green industrial park

11. Nghi Son LNG Thermal Power Plant

12. Offshore wind power development project

13. Project to reduce CO2 emissions and promote circular economy in Dong Nai province

14. Thai Binh LNG Power Project.

Source: https://thoibaonganhang.vn/thong-cao-bao-chi-chung-nhan-chuyen-tham-cua-thu-tuong-nhat-ban-ishiba-shigeru-163472.html