This is Mr. Ishiba Shigeru's first visit to Vietnam as Prime Minister of Japan.

Vietnam - Japan relations continue to develop substantially and comprehensively in all areas after more than a year of upgrading the relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, in which political trust continues to be consolidated and economic cooperation continues to be the main pillar.

Japan continues to be Vietnam's leading economic partner, with cooperation in new areas such as green transformation and digital transformation progressing with many specific projects.

At a press conference this afternoon, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said that Prime Minister Ishiba's visit aims to further strengthen relations with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam.

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Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and his wife on a recent overseas trip. Photo: Japanese Prime Minister's Office

Southeast Asia is the world's center of dynamic growth, and strengthening relations with Vietnam - a country with a population of over 100 million and a dynamic economy - is a priority in Japan's diplomatic strategy.

Prime Minister Ishiba has met with President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, but has never met with General Secretary To Lam. Therefore, the visit is an opportunity for the Japanese leader to build and nurture relations with General Secretary To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders.

The Ambassador said that Vietnam is a top priority in Japan's foreign policy, a place with a lot of potential with a population of more than 100 million people and high economic growth rate.

Through Prime Minister Ishiba's visit, Japan wants to promote Vietnam's priority areas including digital transformation, green transformation, semiconductors, human resource training, etc.

“Vietnam is now entering an era of national growth. Japan believes that this new era for Vietnam will be a great opportunity to further expand the cooperative relationship between the two countries within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the world,” Mr. Ito Naoki stated.

The Ambassador said that Japan is focusing on three areas in cooperation with Vietnam: expanding investment and trade, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchange.

On the Vietnamese side, during a meeting with Ambassador Ito Naoki in early April, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam consistently considers Japan a leading important partner, a sincere and trustworthy friend, accompanying Vietnam in the development process; and wishes to work with Japan to substantially and effectively implement the content of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework.

There are currently about 520,000 Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Japan; about 23,000 Japanese people living and working in Vietnam.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/thu-tuong-nhat-ban-ishiba-shigeru-va-phu-nhan-lan-dau-tham-viet-nam-2394387.html