Vietnam Reaffirms Strategic Partnership with Japan

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam regards Japan as a vital and enduring partner, Deputy Prime Minister Lê Minh Khái conveyed to Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio during their meeting. The meeting was part of Khái’s working visit to attend the 29th Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo.

Deputy PM Khái expressed his desire for strengthened cooperation between the two nations to effectively implement their recently established comprehensive strategic partnership, along with important agreements and mutual understandings between the two Prime Ministers.

Prime Minister Kishida acknowledged Vietnam’s significant participation and contributions to the Tokyo conference and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the substantive and effective development of the bilateral partnership across all sectors.

During the meeting, Deputy PM Khái extended an invitation from Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính for Prime Minister Kishida to visit Vietnam at his earliest convenience. Earlier in the day, Khái also met with President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Tanaka Akihiko.

In discussions with JICA, Khái proposed that Japan consider providing new Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans to Vietnam under more favorable terms and simplified procedures, potentially in the form of budget support. These loans would aid Vietnam in executing its large-scale strategic infrastructure development projects.

Khái also advocated for ODA support for projects focused on digital transformation, green transition, and urban railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. He emphasized the continued implementation of projects in high-quality human resources training and new areas such as green transition.

Tanaka expressed satisfaction with the previous year’s ODA cooperation, which saw a total volume of 100 billion JPY (US $636 million). He affirmed JICA’s commitment to further collaboration on quality infrastructure projects aligned with Vietnam’s needs and legal regulations. Tanaka also pledged to continue joint efforts in human resources training, digital transformation, green transition, semiconductors, and innovation.

This meeting underscores the robust and dynamic relationship between Vietnam and Japan, highlighting their mutual commitment to fostering sustainable development and innovation across various sectors.