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At the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will make an official visit to Vietnam from May 1 to May 3, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The visit comes as Vietnam prepares to commemorate 51 years since the country’s reunification and follows the Vietnamese government’s completion of reforms to its apparatus.
Japan’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Ito Naoki, said the trip reflects Japan’s high regard for Vietnam, noting that it has nearly become a norm for Japanese prime ministers to visit Vietnam within a year of taking office.
Ambassador Ito Naoki said the visit aims to build trust between the two leaders, assess the outcomes of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and confirm important areas of cooperation for the near future.
“Japan expresses deep admiration for the notable economic achievements that Vietnam has attained in more than 50 years of reunification, as well as the peaceful and developmental path the country is pursuing,” the ambassador said, adding that he is confident the visit will elevate bilateral relations.
Both sides expect the visit to reaffirm strengthened cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework, including efforts to address regional and international issues.
Ambassador Ito Naoki said the highlight of the visit will be Prime Minister Takaichi delivering a policy address at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy.
The ambassador noted that this is the first time a Japanese prime minister has spoken on policy in Vietnam since 2020. He said the FOIP vision, introduced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ten years ago, envisioned the Indo-Pacific region becoming the world’s development hub.
He added that over the past decade the world has changed significantly, including the emergence of artificial intelligence and other technological revolutions, the rise of southern hemisphere nations, and a more complex geopolitical landscape. Ambassador Ito Naoki said Prime Minister Takaichi is aware that FOIP must evolve to respond to these changes, with economic security and resilient supply chains identified as key priorities for many countries.
The ambassador said the choice of Hanoi and Vietnam National University as the venue reflects Japan’s recognition of ASEAN’s central role, Vietnam’s important position in the region, and the reforms Vietnam is implementing.
He also said the visit will focus on four pillars of cooperation reflecting each side’s strategic priorities:
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