(VOVworld)- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife began an official visit to Vietnam on Monday. Taking place amidst the robust development of the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership and the 44th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, the visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in economics, and trade.
Vietnam and Japan established their diplomatic ties in 1973. In recent years, leaders of the two countries have increased contacts and exchanges to boost bilateral cooperation.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Japan in May, 2016 |
Firm foundation of shared interests
Established 44 years ago, the relationship between Vietnam and Japan has become fruitful. The two countries have established mutual trust and an extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia. The two countries’ leaders have increased visits and contacts at regional and global forums. During Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to Japan in September, 2015, a “Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-Japan Relations” was signed. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc visited Japan and participated in the expanded G6 Summit in May, 2016.
Economics is one of the main pillars of Vietnam-Japan ties. Both have strengthened cooperation in marine economics, which is expanded to many other areas. Japan is Vietnam’s leading economic partner and the first G7 country to recognize Vietnam’s market economy. Japan is Vietnam’s biggest ODA provider, 2nd largest investor and 4th biggest trade partner. The two countries have strengthened a number of bilateral economic cooperation mechanisms enabling exports to increase 13.9% a year in recent years. Japan is helping Vietnam to develop industry under the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Framework until 2020 and with a vision to 2030. The two countries have boosted cooperation in agriculture, tourism, labor exports, climate change response, and between localities as well as at regional and global forums including the UN, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, and the Human Rights Council.
Vietnam and Japan have similar interests in a potentially unstable Asia-Pacific. Japan has helped Vietnam in sea patrol and defense.
Necessary steps to consolidate bilateral ties
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Vietnam shows the comprehensive and practical development of bilateral extensive strategic partnership and the Japanese Prime Minister’s keen interest in enhancing friendship with Vietnam. Prime Minister Abe has visited Vietnam twice previously, in 2006 and 2013. During this visit, he will discuss with Vietnam’s Prime Minister and cabinet members ways to boost bilateral cooperation more effectively and practically.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit shows Japan’s respect for bilateral ties and is an affirmation that Vietnam considers Japan an important and long-term partner.