Vietnam, Japan seek deeper cooperation across multiple sectors

Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Shimada Tomoaki on Saturday during the Japanese official’s visit to the city for the 11th Japan–Vietnam Festival, which opened the same day.

At the meeting, Vu expressed satisfaction with the increasingly substantive and effective development of the Vietnam–Japan comprehensive strategic partnership, noting that it is underpinned by strong political trust and has expanded across many areas.

He stated that Vietnam consistently regards Japan as one of its most important partners and a sincere and reliable friend in pursuing its development goals.

Vu called on the Japanese government to further strengthen political trust through high-level visits and exchanges, which would help facilitate cooperation in key pillars such as politics and diplomacy, defense and security, science and technology, local cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.

He also stressed the need to expand collaboration in emerging areas including digital transformation and green transition, while promoting coordination in multilateral mechanisms and strengthening business connectivity to leverage the complementary strengths of both economies, particularly in manufacturing, high technology, and innovation.

Shimada agreed with Vu’s assessments and proposals, saying Japan views Vietnam as one of its most important partners in implementing its foreign policy in the Asia–Pacific region, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

He said Japan is ready to work closely with Vietnam to further deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership and effectively implement existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, including coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries and dialogues involving both foreign affairs and defense agencies.

The Japanese official affirmed Tokyo’s readiness to work with Vietnam on regional and international issues, including supporting the successful organization of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Vietnam in 2027.

Shimada congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam in January and congratulated Vu on his election as a member of the Party Central Committee.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of events surrounding the two-day 11th Japan–Vietnam Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, an annual cultural event aimed at promoting exchanges and friendship between the two countries.

Ahead of the festival’s opening ceremony, representatives from both sides also joined a friendship cycling event to promote people-to-people connections and the spirit of bilateral cooperation.