Japan and Vietnam release joint statement during Prime Minister Ishiba's official visit to Vietnam.

Japanese PM Ishiba Shigeru and his wife bust a move at the red carpet welcome by VN PM Phạm Minh Chính and the missus in Hà Nội on April 28, 2025. - VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI, VIỆT NAM - JAPAN is on a roll with VN PM Phạm Minh Chính and his right-hand lady, as they hosted the Japanese PM Ishiba Shigeru and his better half in Hanoi from April 27-29, 2025, at the behest of the Vietnamese prime minister and his lady love.

Here's a gist of the nitty-gritty of the joint statement the Japanese PM and his significant other left behind after their whirlwind visit.

High-level gabfest between the Japanese PM and VN PM in Hanoi on April 28, 2025.
The two chieftains expressed their admiration for the rockin' development of the VN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World over the past year. They pledged to work together like peanut butter and jelly to keep the momentum going and pave the way for a new era in VN.
On Defense and Diplomacy Cooperation:
BFFs Forever: The two leaders agreed to regular meetings and contacts, strengthening political trust, which is the cornerstone of the VN-Japan cooperation.
Mechanisms, Baby: They vowed to keep the various dialogue mechanisms alive and kicking, such as the VN-Japan Cooperation Committee, the Joint Committee on Trade, Energy and Industry, the VN-Japan Joint Committee on Science and Technology, the VN-Japan Joint Initiative in the New Era, the VN-Japan Agricultural Cooperation Dialogue, and the VN-Japan Deputy Ministerial-level Security Dialogue, just to name a few. They even agreed to re-lit the Science and Technology Committee next year.
Strategy Meets Tactics: The two countries will work together to enhance strategic dialogue between them, establishing a 2+2 dialogue mechanism at the deputy foreign and defense minister level. Japan also promised to look into VN's needs for security assistance.
Maritime Matters: The leaders agreed to collaborate on maritime safety and security, including sharing expertise to boost VN's capacity to maintain security at sea.
Country-to-Country Cooperation on Security, Intelligence, and Police: The two nations vowed to deepen their cooperation to improve citizens' understanding of each other's laws and respond to challenges in non-traditional security, such as cybercrime, economic security, terrorism, international organized crime, and human trafficking.
On beefing up Economic Relations:
Investment Environment Makeover: The leaders agreed that improving the investment environment is crucial for enhancing VN-Japan economic relations. They identified some key areas for collaboration, including semiconductors, AI, quantum, energy, strategic infrastructure, national disaster response, human resource training, and supply chain management.
Cooperation Projects Galore: Based on the review of projects they had identified earlier, the leaders celebrated progress made on priority projects, such as the Hồ Chí Minh City Metro Line No.1, the expansion of the Bính Hưng Wastewater Treatment Plant, and the operation of the Yên Xá Wastewater Treatment Plant. Japan even proposed creating a VN-Japan University using ODA funding.
Ongoing Projects, Make 'Em Go: The leaders pledged to cooperate in solving difficulties and speeding up ongoing ODA and FDI projects to create a solid foundation for future cooperation. Japan promised to push for signing a commitment document towards facilitating the implementation of non-refundable aid projects in 2025.
The Green Movement: Both leaders welcomed cooperation on climate change and other environmental issues, including the development of renewable energy sources and urban railways.
The Power of Mid-sized and Small Enterprises: Japan committed to supporting mid-sized and SMEs interested in investing in and expanding production in VN, as well as enhancing ties between Japanese and VNese businesses.
Regional Equality and Disaster Resilience: The leaders promised to collaborate on disaster prevention and response, particularly measures in response to climate change, flood, and landslide, especially in the rural areas of northern VN.
On People-to-People Exchanges and Local Cooperation:
Visas and Tourism Boost: The leaders agreed to create an environment for increased travel between the two countries, aiming for 2 million tourists a year. Japan acknowledged VN's desire for simplified visa procedures and expanded e-visas and multiple-entry visas for VNese citizens.
Skills for the Future: The leaders vowed to foster a Memorandum of Understanding on the new labor program "employment for skill development" in 2025. Japan also reaffirmed its commitment to improving working conditions and living standards for VNese people in Japan.
Fugitive Finding: The two nations agreed to discuss ways to facilitate the extradition of criminals.
Local Cooperation and the VN-Japan Local Cooperation Forum: The leaders agreed to organize the VN-Japan Local Cooperation Forum, chaired by the VNese side, at the end of 2025.
Expo 2025 and Beyond: The leaders agreed to collaborate in the organization of the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, including the successful organization of the VN Day within the event. They also discussed the possibility of VN's participation in the GREEN x EXPO 2027 hosted by Japan.
Culture, Art, and Language: The leaders promised to promote cultural cooperation, including the use of the Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation - WA Culture 2.0 program, based on Japan's experience in organizing local art festivals, such as the Setouchi Triennale contemporary art festival. They also agreed to advance Japanese-language education and increase the number of VNese students studying in Japan.
On cooperation in the international arena:
Stronger Together: The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting collaboration in international and regional issues of shared concern, as well as cooperation at multilateral forums, including ASEAN. They agreed to work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on compliance with international law and multilateral free trade regimes.
APEC and Beyond: The leaders agreed to coordinate in successfully organizing the 16th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting and to make efforts to soon resume the Mekong-Japan Summit.

So, there you have it - a snapshot of the VN-Japan partnership, with a big ol' focus on industrial growth, green energy, human resource development, and scientific cooperation to create a brighter future for both nations. Cheers to VN-Japan for keeping their friendship alive and kicking! 🍻🇯🇵🇻🇳🇯🇵🇻🇳

PM Phạm Minh Chính and his spouse welcome Japanese PM Ishiba Shigeru and his spouse in Hà Nội on April 28. - VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

The government of Vietnam and Japan are committed to maintaining the VN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World, which has shown significant growth over the past year.
The leaders of both nations pledged to work together in various fields, with a particular focus on defense and diplomacy cooperation, economic relations, people-to-people exchanges, local cooperation, and international cooperation.
On defense and diplomacy cooperation, both leaders agreed to regular meetings and contacts to strengthen political trust, maintain dialogue mechanisms, and establish a 2+2 dialogue mechanism.
They also pledged to collaborate on shared security concerns, such as maritime safety, counterterrorism, economic security, cybercrime, and international organized crime.
In the realm of economic relations, the leaders identified key areas for cooperation, including semiconductors, AI, quantum, energy, strategic infrastructure, national disaster response, human resource training, and supply chain management.
They also celebrated the progress made on priority projects, such as the Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line No.1, and the operation of the Yën Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of improving the investment environment to boost VN-Japan economic relations.
In terms of people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation, the leaders agreed to create an environment for increased travel, foster a Memorandum of Understanding on the new labor program, and organize the VN-Japan Local Cooperation Forum.
They also discussed ways to facilitate the extradition of criminals and agreed to work together on disaster prevention and response, particularly in rural areas.
In the international arena, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to cooperate on issues of shared concern, maintain a free and open international order based on compliance with international law, and coordinate at multilateral forums, including ASEAN.
They also agreed to collaborate in the organization of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, and discuss the possibility of VN's participation in the GREEN x EXPO 2027.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of cultural cooperation and Japanese-language education.
They vowed to address issues such as climate change, urban railways, and disaster resilience.
Japan committed to supporting mid-sized and small enterprises interested in investing in and expanding production in Vietnam.
The leaders pledged to work together to maintain and foster a healthy and sustainable environment, especially in the area of hepatitis prevention and treatment. This is particularly important given the joint focus on medical research and health policy.

In conclusion, the VN-Japan partnership is extensive and covers various aspects of government, business, and society. The leaders have pledged to work together to foster growth, address shared challenges, and create a brighter future for both nations.