Hanoi Hosts Official Welcome Ceremony for Japanese PM Takaichi Sanae During Vietnam Visit
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Hanoi on Saturday morning hosted an official welcome ceremony for Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, who is undertaking a three-day official visit to Vietnam aimed at strengthening the two countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ceremony was hosted by Vietnamese Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng and attended by senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Phan Văn Giang, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Hoài Trung, and other cabinet members representing key government sectors.
Following the ceremonial welcome, both prime ministers held a restricted meeting and official talks to review bilateral cooperation and outline future directions for collaboration. The discussions were followed by the signing and exchange of cooperation agreements between Vietnam and Japan, reflecting continued efforts to deepen strategic engagement across multiple sectors.
The two leaders also visited a photo exhibition showcasing bilateral relations between Vietnam and Japan, jointly organised by the Government Office and the Vietnam News Agency, highlighting cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges.
According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Phạm Quang Hiệu, the visit from May 1–3 holds special significance as it underscores Japan’s strong commitment to advancing relations with Vietnam at a new stage of development. He noted that Vietnam is the first regional destination visited by Prime Minister Takaichi following her re-election in February 2026, reflecting Hanoi’s growing importance in Tokyo’s regional policy.
The visit is expected to further enhance political trust, expand high-level strategic exchanges, and inject new momentum into bilateral cooperation. Priority areas of discussion include trade and investment, science and technology, artificial intelligence, energy transition, semiconductor development, food security, and high-quality human resource training, alongside tourism and people-to-people ties.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki said the visit would reinforce coordination under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework and strengthen cooperation on regional and global challenges, including energy security, economic resilience, and supply chain stability.
Both sides are also expected to advance cooperation in smart agriculture, infrastructure development, rare earths, and academic exchanges, further consolidating a multifaceted partnership between Vietnam and Japan.
