Japan PM Takaichi Sanae to make 1st official visit to Vietnam

It will mark her first trip to the Southeast Asian country since taking office last October.

Vietnam is the first stop in her overseas tour to Vietnam and Australia, coinciding with Japan’s Golden Week holiday period, which starts from April 29 to May 6 this year.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper ahead of her visit, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said the trip, coming just weeks after Vietnam’s new leadership was elected, underscores Tokyo’s high regard for Vietnam and its growing role in international affairs.

During the trip, PM Takaichi will hold talks with Vietnam’s top leaders, aiming to build strong personal ties with the new administration and deepen bilateral cooperation.

Both sides are expected to discuss strengthening the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, established in 2023, with a focus on economic security, energy, critical minerals, and science and technology.

Earlier, on April 13, Vietnam’s Party General Secretary and State President To Lam held a phone call with PM Takaichi, expressing Vietnam’s desire to work closely with Japan on regional and global challenges, including energy security.

PM Takaichi praised Vietnam’s strategic role in the region, describing it as a key partner in advancing Japan’s ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ initiative.

She reaffirmed Japan’s support for Vietnam’s independent and self-reliant foreign policy and its development goals in a new era.

Ambassador Ito Naoki revealed that PM Takaichi will deliver a major policy address at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, presenting Tokyo’s updated vision for a ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific.’

The ambassador described the speech as a “golden message” highlighting Vietnam’s strategic importance in ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific.

The ‘Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ initiative, launched a decade ago, aims to promote regional cooperation, respect for international law, and ensure peace and stability.

PM Takaichi said that the strategy must be updated to reflect today’s global challenges.

Choosing Vietnam as the venue for this announcement signals Japan’s recognition of Hanoi’s rising influence in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific, the ambassador added.