Hanoi (VNA) – The official visit to Japan from December 3-7 by National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man is expected to promote the bilateral legislative ties in a practical and sustainable manner, thus concretising the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries across spheres.
Over 50 years of strong Vietnam-Japan relations
Vietnam and Japan officially established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973. Over the past 50 years, the bilateral friendship and cooperation have been constantly consolidated and fostered in all fields, becoming a bright spot during Vietnam’s implementation of its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations.
The relationship was elevated from a "Reliable and Long-term Stable Partnership" in 2002 to a "Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia" in 2009, then to an "Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia" in 2014, and most recently, to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" in November 2023.
The establishment of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" reflects the high level of political trust and the maturity of the Vietnam-Japan relations.
This milestone paves the way for a new phase of more substantive and effective cooperation across all fields, meeting the aspirations, needs, and interests of both countries’ people, while contributing to peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world.
The two countries have maintained all-level meetings and exchanges, and various dialogue mechanisms, along with their close and effective cooperation at regional and international forums like the United Nations, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Plus Three, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Their efforts have contributed to peace, stability, and development in Asia-Pacific.
The Vietnam-Japan economic and trade relations are built on bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements, as well as Japan's foreign direct investment (FDI) projects and official development assistance (ODA) in Vietnam.
Japan is Vietnam's largest ODA provider; the second largest partner in labour cooperation, the third in tourism, and the fourth in trade; and the third-biggest investor.
Japanese ODA has played a pivotal role in developing critical infrastructure projects, creating positive ripple effects that drive sustainable socio-economic growth.
Bilateral trade rose to 44.98 billion USD in 2023 from 47.6 billion USD in 2022, and it stood at 38.1 billion USD in the first 10 months of this year.
Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki noted a significant milestone in November 2024 with the signing of an agreement between the two Governments, under which Japan will provide IT equipment to upgrade the national population data centre operated by Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. This project is expected to support Vietnam in digital transformation efforts.
Progress has also been seen in cooperation in transport infrastructure, climate change response, culture, labour, and eduation-training, as well as collaboration between localities of the two countries.
Practical, effective parliamentary ties
For legislative relations, the Vietnamese NA and Japan’s National Diet have maintained all-level delegation exchanges, contributing to implementing and promoting agreements reached by the two countries.
They have stepped up exchanges between lawmakers within the frameworks for friendship parliamentarians’ groups, and young and female legislators, through diverse formats.
Within the framework of multilateral parliamentary cooperation, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF), and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), the two countries share the views on building and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development in the Asia-Pacific. The two sides regularly engage in consultations and support each other’s views on the security of navigation and overflight in the region.
Vice Chairwoman of the NA Committee for External Relations Le Thu Ha said during his visit, Man is scheduled hold talks with President Sekiguchi Masakazu of the House of Councillors and Speaker Nugaka Fukuhiro of the House of Representatives. He will meet with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru, and pay a courtesy call to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. He will also present orders from the State President of Vietnam to several former Japanese leaders.
The top Vietnamese legislator will meet with the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, leaders of major Japanese political parties, economic organisations, and authorities of localities with close ties to Vietnam. Man will also visit the Vietnamese Embassy in Tokyo, the Consulate General in Fukuoka, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Japan.
Notably, a cooperation agreement between Vietnam’s NA and Japan’s House of Councillors will be signed during this visit, marking an important milestone for elevating legislative cooperation between the two nations in the coming years.
Ha expressed her confidence that the visit will not only strengthen the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan but also enhance connectivity and foster substantive cooperation between their localities, bringing tangible benefits to citizens and the business communities of both nations./.
