At the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and his wife will make their first official visit to Vietnam from April 27 to 29.

This marks Prime Minister Ishiba’s first trip to Vietnam since taking office.

Vietnam-Japan relations have continued to grow comprehensively and substantively across all fields, especially since the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership over a year ago. Political trust has deepened, while economic cooperation remains the central pillar.

Japan remains one of Vietnam’s most important economic partners. The two countries have made notable progress in emerging areas of collaboration such as green transition and digital transformation, with several concrete projects underway.

Speaking at a press briefing earlier today, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki emphasized that Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit is part of Japan’s broader effort to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, particularly with Vietnam.

Southeast Asia, he noted, is a dynamic growth hub, and deepening relations with Vietnam - a country of over 100 million people and a vibrant economy - is a priority in Japan’s diplomatic strategy.

Though Prime Minister Ishiba has previously met with President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, he has yet to meet General Secretary To Lam. This upcoming visit provides an opportunity to build rapport with the General Secretary and other key Vietnamese leaders.

Ambassador Ito reiterated that Vietnam is a top priority in Japan’s foreign policy, highlighting the country's strong growth potential and large population.

Through Prime Minister Ishiba’s visit, Japan seeks to enhance cooperation in Vietnam’s priority areas, including digital transformation, green transition, semiconductors, and workforce development.

“Vietnam is entering a new era of national resurgence. Japan believes this new chapter will provide an excellent opportunity to further expand cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond,” Ambassador Ito stated.

He added that Japan is focusing on three key areas in its collaboration with Vietnam: expanding trade and investment, enhancing security cooperation, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

During a recent meeting with Ambassador Ito in early April, General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam consistently regards Japan as a top-tier partner and a sincere, trustworthy friend in its development journey. He expressed a desire for both sides to practically and effectively implement the partnership’s framework.

Currently, approximately 520,000 Vietnamese nationals are living, studying, and working in Japan, while about 23,000 Japanese citizens reside and work in Vietnam.

Tran Thuong