Vietnam - Japan upgrading relations is in line with historical trends

Vietnam and Japan officially upgraded their bilateral relationship to “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World”. This is an extremely important and meaningful event as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

Voice of Vietnam's resident reporter in Japan interviewed Mr. Asano Katsuhito, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Deputy Minister of Defense of Japan, about this special event.

Mr. Asano Katsuhito, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Deputy Minister of Defense of Japan.

Reporter: Sir, just a few hours ago, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister of Japan Kishida Fumio agreed to upgrade the relationship between the two countries to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world. What is your assessment of this event?

Mr. Asano Katsuhito: I think this is the most appropriate time for the relationship between the two countries. The relationship between the two countries was formed long ago, with many good historical marks. I understand that Vietnam has just upgraded its relationship with the US, so upgrading the relationship with Japan is obvious, in line with the historical conditions of the relationship, and in line with the interests of both sides. Vietnam is developing in many aspects, playing an increasingly important role in the Southeast Asian region.

Japan is implementing a policy of prioritizing development towards Southeast Asian countries. In addition, Japan has a good relationship with Vietnam. For many years, leaders of the two countries have regularly visited each other. Japan has invited Vietnam to attend the expanded conferences as the host country in important international forums such as the G7 Summit, G20 Summit, etc. This will contribute to the development of each country and peace and stability in the region.

PV: Once strategic partners, how should the two sides behave to achieve real cooperation results?

Mr. Asano Katsuhito: Japan has its own policies towards strategic partners like Vietnam. In many periods, Japan has given priority to ODA capital, infrastructure development support, etc. for Vietnam. Other large-scale support projects for the region include Vietnam. In addition, in terms of cultural exchange and people-to-people exchange, Japan also attaches importance to strengthening.

Japanese investors, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, have been present in Vietnam for decades and are currently expanding their operations. Accordingly, in the near future, Japan needs to expand and strengthen traditional areas of cooperation, quickly help Vietnam with digital transformation, or technology transfer in some areas.

Vietnam, as a dynamic country with abundant resources, needs to perfect tighter and more international policies to match the development roadmap of the world and Japan. I think at some point, Vietnam will also develop like Japan.

PV: In the current context, all countries are facing certain difficulties in their development path. So what do the two countries need to share with each other to develop together, sir?

Mr. Asano Katsuhito: Japan is lacking human resources for development. For many years, Vietnam has provided us with a young and highly skilled workforce. For example, as far as I know, the Vietnamese software company FPT is operating with hundreds of people working in Japanese enterprises, banks, and agencies. We are grateful for that. Although Vietnam's investment in Japan is still modest, the number of Vietnamese tourists to Japan is increasing. You are also contributing to our development.

On the contrary, Japan became a rich country earlier than Vietnam, so it also has the responsibility to share. Not only for Vietnam but also for other countries, Japan must share, because currently, the development of a country must be linked to the common development of other countries.

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