(VOVworld) – Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic ties on September 21, 1973. Over the past 40 years, the two countries’ relations have continuously progressed and they have become important partners in all areas. To mark the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh talked to reporters on milestones in Vietnam-Japan relations and future prospects.

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh

Minister Minh said Vietnam and Japan have been important partners in all areas of politics, diplomacy, economics, investment, official development assistance, human resources, science and technology, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The two countries have elevated their relation to a strategic partnership for peace and stability in Asia. Minister Minh: “High-ranking leaders of both countries have exchanged regular visits to consolidate political trust and discuss major guidelines and specific measures to boost bilateral cooperation. The establishment of the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee and other dialogue mechanisms for specific areas has enhanced cooperation between ministries and sectors. The two countries have collaborated at international forums and organizations such as the UN, ASEAN, APEC, and the Mekong-Japan forum.”

Minister Minh said the good political relationship has created momentum for increasing economic cooperation. Japan is Vietnam’s top partner, investor, and ODA donor. Since resuming the ODA program in 1992, Japan has provided Vietnam 21 billion USD, 30% of the ODA Vietnam has received from foreign donors.

Japan is Vietnam’s third largest trade partner with two-way turnover of 24.7 billion USD in 2012. The two countries signed the Vietnam-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement to create favorable conditions and a legal framework for economic affairs. Cooperation in education, science, technology, culture, and sports saw steady expansion. In 2012, nearly 600,000 Japanese people visited Vietnam. There are currently 60,000 Vietnamese people working and studying in Japan. Minister Minh: “The Vietnam-Japan relationship is flourishing remarkably. They share common invaluable assets of mutual trust and comprehensive cooperation, which illustrate the establishment of a strategic partnership with the leaders’ high consensus and the people’s strong support. This is a firm basis for the two countries to deepen their cooperative ties.”

Minister Minh said Vietnamese and Japanese people had a relationship long before the two countries established diplomatic ties. More than 400 years ago, Japanese merchant ships docked at Pho Hien in the north and Hoi An in the central region to trade. Vestiges of trade and cultural exchanges such as the Japanese bridge in Hoi An remain in these areas. Besides official cooperative channels between their parliaments, governments, and ruling Parties, cooperation among localities and friendship organizations has diversified bilateral ties. Vietnamese culture has been introduced to Japan and vice verse. Vietnamese people, especially young people, have become familiar with Japanese cherry blossoms and tea ceremony. Regular exchanges and similarities of culture and customs have brought people of the two countries closer. Minister Minh: “People’s diplomacy has contributed significantly to solidifying the friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan. The two government’s efforts have created a favorable environment for people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding. I believe that with trust and empathy, the Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership will grow resiliently.”