Vietnam - Japan promote cooperation in many fields

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, VNA reporters in Tokyo interviewed Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko about memorable milestones in bilateral relations, the driving force that helped the two countries achieve diplomatic progress, strengths that need to be promoted, and prospects for cooperation between the two countries in the coming time. The following is the content of the interview:

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko. Photo: VNA

In your opinion, in the 50 years of building diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, what are the memorable milestones in this process? Over the past 50 years, our two countries have developed relations in all fields thanks to the tireless efforts of our predecessors. Up to now, there have been many important milestones, including the comprehensive restart of official development assistance (ODA) in 1992; Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet's visit to Japan in 1993, which initiated high-level visits between the two countries; The visit to Vietnam in 2017 of Emperor Akihito and Empress of Japan (now the Emperor and Empress of Japan) and the cooperation between the two countries in measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic since 2019. One of the most important milestones that brought the bilateral relationship to a new height, considered the best in history, was the upgrade to "Extensive Strategic Partnership" in 2014. Japan and Vietnam have been building a strategic relationship in more areas since the upgrade in 2014. From a relationship focusing on economic cooperation such as ODA, cooperation has developed in areas related to the country's foundation such as cooperation in the fields of security, energy as well as cooperation in human resource development in Vietnam, the cooperation that increases trust between the two countries has also increasingly deepened. This year, marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries affirmed that they will elevate their “extensive strategic partnership” to a higher level. Along with many commemorative events held in both countries, Crown Prince Akishino and the Princess also visited Vietnam, and this visit will deepen the friendship and friendliness between the two countries. I believe that 2023 will be an important milestone in the next 50 years of both countries. Currently, the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan have reached the level of an Extensive Strategic Partnership. In your opinion, what has motivated the two countries to make such a great leap forward in their diplomatic relations? Friendship and trust based on people-to-people exchanges that have been cultivated over many years are the driving force behind the development of bilateral relations. People-to-people exchanges between the two countries began with a visit to Japan in the 8th century by a Vietnamese monk. Then, in the 17th century, when trade routes between the two countries were opened, many Japanese merchants lived in Hoi An. By the 19th century, many Vietnamese people came to Japan to study in the Dong Du movement. From those exchanges, a strong friendship was developed between the people of the two countries. After establishing diplomatic relations, the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Union was established in 1978. This is a friendship association with a history of extremely active activities until today. The exchanges between parliamentarians of the two countries, the trust and friendship between the two parliaments have greatly contributed to the development of bilateral relations. Up to now, high-level exchanges between the two countries have been active, including many historic visits. The last foreign trip of Emperor Akihito and the Empress was to Vietnam. The exchanges over many years have strengthened the trust between the two countries. There are many people in Japan and Vietnam who have a strong friendship and warm feelings and express their enthusiasm for cooperation for the benefit of each country. This is also the main driving force for the development of bilateral relations. How do you evaluate the achievements of Vietnam - Japan cooperation over the past 50 years? What are the strengths that need to be promoted? After 50 years of cooperation, Japan and Vietnam have built a mutually beneficial relationship and become mutually trustworthy partners. After the comprehensive resumption of ODA in 1992, the relationship between the two countries has developed rapidly. Based on the view that Vietnam's growth will not only lead to Vietnam's own growth but also to the development of the entire region and the development of Japan. Japan, as the largest donor to Vietnam, supports the construction of infrastructure such as roads, ports and airports, contributing to Vietnam's development. Japan has been working hard to develop “high-quality infrastructure” and to transfer technology so that the Vietnamese people can develop their own infrastructure. I believe that through such support, we have been able to gain the trust of the Vietnamese people in Japan and Japanese technology. Currently, Vietnam’s first underground urban railway, which requires a high level of technical expertise, is being built in Ho Chi Minh City with the support of Japan. It is a source of pride for Japan to be able to cooperate with such a large project, and we hope that the lives of the Vietnamese people will be improved thanks to Japanese technology. Vietnam is an important production base for Japanese companies and one of the most promising investment destinations. In particular, as Japanese companies diversify their supply chains, Vietnam is attracting more and more attention. Vietnam’s growth will be closely linked to Japan’s development. Japan will continue to cooperate with Vietnam to achieve sustainable economic growth, help build an inclusive society and continue to develop together. According to the Foreign Minister, what should the two countries do to further develop the relationship in the coming time? In which areas will Vietnam - Japan cooperation develop strongly and why? Japan - Vietnam relations are being strengthened in all areas, in which it is especially necessary to strengthen cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, economic relations and advanced fields.

Regarding people-to-people exchanges, the two countries need to cooperate closely so that the approximately 500,000 Vietnamese people living in Japan can play a more active role in the local society. As the number of Vietnamese people in Japan increases, the number of Vietnamese restaurants and grocery stores in Japan also increases, and the opportunities to interact with Vietnamese people also increase, making Vietnam a very friendly country for Japanese people.

On the other hand, the current situation is that Vietnamese crimes in Japan are increasing and a number of technical interns are falling into a difficult environment. We hope to further strengthen efforts between Japan and Vietnam to ensure that this situation does not affect the friendly relationship between us and to make Vietnamese people feel satisfied when coming to work in Japan.

In addition, in terms of economic relations, it is important to create an investment environment that encourages private sector investment between Japan and Vietnam. I believe that a mature economic relationship means that companies can conduct sound economic activities in each other's countries without government interference. Japanese companies will increasingly want to invest in Vietnam. What is necessary for the development of economic relations between the two countries to mature is for the governments to coordinate and establish an investment environment that creates a mutually beneficial relationship for companies from both countries, as well as for the two countries.

In addition, I believe that strengthening cooperation in the field of environment and clean energy to solve global problems such as climate change, cooperation in the field of space and cooperation in the use of the latest technology are also very important. The potential for cooperation in these areas is still great. I believe that the relationship between our two countries will become even closer as our cooperation deepens in advanced fields. How do you assess the prospects for cooperation in the coming time between the two countries, not only in bilateral relations but also in international and multilateral forums?

The international community is facing a historic turning point, with not only geopolitical conflicts but also global issues becoming increasingly serious. As the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law continues to increase, the importance of cooperation between Japan and Vietnam in the international arena and multilateral forums is increasing.

Japan and Vietnam share common strategic interests. For Japan, Vietnam is an important partner in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. Countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Vietnam, have also developed a similar AOIP (ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific) and are pursuing regional prosperity in the same direction. Vietnam occupies an important geopolitical and economic position in Southeast Asia, the world’s most dynamic region, and is increasingly increasing its presence in the international community.

In today’s increasingly complex international situation, trusted friends in the region are an important and irreplaceable presence. Close coordination with Vietnam in speaking out at international and multilateral forums to achieve peace and prosperity in the region and the world, including promoting the rule of law, freedom of navigation, free trade and enhanced regional connectivity is extremely important.

In the future, we hope to further promote cooperation between Japan and Vietnam in the international arena. Thank you very much, Foreign Minister!

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