Japan-Viet Nam Relations
Japan-Viet Nam Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Working Lunch
October 10, 2023
On October 10, commencing at 10:30 a.m. local time (12:30, p.m., October 10 JST) for approximately 150 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Hanoi, Viet Nam, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and working lunch with H.E. Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Son welcomed Minister Kamikawa's visit to Viet Nam and stated that he would like to cooperate to strengthen the relationship between the two countries this year, which marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam. In response, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome, stated that taking this historic milestone for both countries as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, she would like to cooperate with Minister Son towards elevating the "Extensive Strategic Partnership" between the two countries to new heights and work together to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Viet Nam is an important partner to Japan in achieving a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific," and that strengthening bilateral relations will contribute to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and in the international community. She continued by stating that Japan would like to strongly promote "Women, Peace and Security (WPS)" and strengthen cooperation with the Asian countries. Minister Son mentioned his support towards WPS and “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” and the two ministers shared the view to strengthen relations in various fields.
- The two ministers exchanged views on future bilateral relations across a wide range of fields. Minister Kamikawa requested cooperation in improving the investment environment in Viet Nam so that economic activity can be carried out smoothly, noting Japanese Companies’ growing interest in Viet Nam as a production base and market for diversifying supply chains. She also referred to strengthening economic cooperation through ODA and other means, continued cooperation in the field of human resource development, including Viet Nam Japan University, and further cooperation to promote green transformation and energy transition. In response, Minister Son expressed his support and stated that he would like to continue to work together to further strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.
- As for the defense cooperation, the two ministers welcomed the expansion of defense exchanges, such as the port calls of the Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers “Izumo” and “Samidare” at Cam Ranh Port in June this year and the cooperative relations between maritime security authorities of both countries. They affirmed that they would work closely together among their diplomatic authorities. In addition, Minister Kamikawa gave an explanation on the Official Security Assistance (OSA), which Japan established this April based on the new National Security Strategy decided in December last year and Minister Son expressed his interest in the strategy.
- The two Ministers welcomed the revitalization of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. They affirmed that they would strengthen cooperation toward resolving difficulties surrounding technical interns.
- The two Ministers also held a candid exchange of views on regional affairs. At the beginning, Minister Kamikawa stated that the international community is at a turning point in history, and that it is important to have a free and open international order based on the rule of law toward an International community characterized by cooperation, not division and confrontation. She also explained Japan's views on the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December and the two ministers concurred to work together for the meeting. The ministers also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar, and reaffirmed that they will continue to cooperate in responding to the situation.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law including the principles of the Charter of the United Nations regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that it is important to provide diplomatic support to Ukraine. The two ministers affirmed that they would continue to work together on the situation in the East and South China Seas, CPTPP as well as on responses to North Korea, including the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues.
- In response to the attack on Israel by Palestinian armed groups, Minister Kamikawa stated that she is heart-broken by the fact that many innocent local people have become victims and that she strongly condemns such attacks. The two ministers concurred that the international community should unite in urging the parties concerned to exercise the utmost restraint.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan would be transparent and use scientific evidence when explaining their efforts regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea and asked for Viet Nam's continued understanding and support.