President Vo Van Thuong's visit to Japan expected contributing to peace and prosperity: Ambassador
WVR - On the occasion of President Vo Van Thuong and Spouse's upcoming official visit to Japan (November 27-30), at the interview with WVR, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio shared his expectations about the visit and commented on potential cooperations between the two countries in the coming time.
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| On the morning of September 21, at the Presidential Palace, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan chaired a ceremony to welcome Japanese Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of the Socialist Republic. Vietnam. (Photo: WVR/Anh Son) |
Could you please share us your expectations about this official visit to Japan by President Vo Van Thuong and Spouse?
In 2023, Japan and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations in the context that relations between the two countries are developing strongly in all fields such as politics, economics and culture. I believe that President Vo Van Thuong's visit to Japan, taking place at such an important time, will have historical significance and become one of the most prominent marks of the anniversary year.
Not only does it look back at the progress in Japan-Vietnam relations so far, this visit also conveys the message that cooperation between Japan and Vietnam is not just a bilateral relationship, but a relationship that can jointly contribute to peace and prosperity in the region and the world.
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| President Vo Van Thuong and Spouse received Crown Prince Akishino and Princess of Japan visiting Vietnam 9/2023. (Photo: VNA) |
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| Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio. (Photo: QT) |
Economically, Japan wants to support Japanese companies to continue investing in Vietnam in the context of Vietnam's economic growth and supply chain transition. Vietnam and Japan are two countries that can train highly skilled human resources in the field of information technology.
Japan sees the potential for the two countries to become innovation partners in green transformation (GX) and digital transformation (DX). In addition, Japan also wants to create momentum to restore ODA capital, especially in infrastructure cooperation.
Besides, politically, Japan affirms that Vietnam is an important partner in implementing the goal of a "free and open Indo-Pacific".
While the situation in areas such as the South China Sea (East Sea) becomes increasingly complicated, Japan has deepened cooperation to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the spirit of rule of law.
Regarding people-to-people and cultural exchanges, exchange activities and visits between the two countries at all levels are increasing rapidly, including visits by state leaders. In Japan, there are about 500,000 Vietnamese people living. In the future, we will further promote cultural, sports and tourism exchanges between young generations, localities, and expand the scope of people and cultural exchanges.
The year 2023 is ending with many meaningful events celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations in both countries. Could you please share your impressions about the journey of "telling the story of Japan-Vietnam" throughout the past year?
Highlights of the year celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam are the visit to Vietnam by Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko in September and the visit to Japan this time by President Vo Van Thuong and his Spouse.
Many 50th anniversary events took place last year, symbolizing that Japan-Vietnam relations are at their best ever. These include Japanese festivals and Vietnamese festivals held in many provinces and cities across Japan and Vietnam; conferences in many fields such as the Meet Japan event and high-level economic seminars co-chaired by Japan and Vietnam; Rich cultural exchange activities such as Kyogen performances, and the opera Princess Anio highlight the long history of ties between the two countries.
I have shared many times that the relationship between the two countries is becoming increasingly closer and developing rapidly. That development not only takes place in the political and economic fields, but also lies in the understanding and empathy between people, originating from the long-term historical and cultural connection between two countries. Through the series of 50th anniversary events, I hope many people will once again discover and recognize specific examples of understanding and sympathy between Japan and Vietnam.
I hope that, when looking back at the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Japan-Vietnam diplomatic relations, future generations will evaluate the year as a meaningful anniversary in creating the foundation for the relationship between the two countries that holds infinite potentials will develop further, looking towards the future, reaching out to the world as partners with equal status.
What are your expectations about Japan's new "wave of investment" in Vietnam in the coming time when the two countries are promoting practical policies for attracting investment?
Currently, I realize that Japan-Vietnam relations are at the best period in history. Economically, the Japanese manufacturing industry is expanding more branches, especially in Vietnam in the context of shifting global supply chains. The retail industry is also focusing on exploiting Vietnam's domestic demand when the population exceeds 100 million people and the middle class is growing.
I very much hope that the investment and business implementation activities of Japanese companies, which are contributing greatly to Vietnam's economic development, will become more vibrant in the energy and other above industries.
In addition, the Japanese Government wants to restore ODA capital and support infrastructure development to contribute to improving Vietnam's investment environment.
In the future, Japan will further strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in both the public and private sectors in areas such as green transformation (GX), innovation, and digital transformation (DX), industrialization, modernization and human resource training.
Vietnam's strong economic development will also be an advantage for Japan. Although Vietnam still has problems that need to be resolved, the Japanese Government and people will always accompany Vietnam to develop in the next 50 years as a partner with a strong relationship.
