Vietnam will be essential in shaping the region's future: Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN
WVR - Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko believed that as ASEAN embarks on its next chapter, Vietnam's proactive, balanced, and forward-looking diplomacy will be essential in shaping the region's future.
Latest
 |
| The ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with Japan, held on July 10 as part of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 58) in Malaysia. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Could you please share your assessments on Vietnam’s role in strengthening ASEAN’s relations with external partners, including Japan?
As ASEAN moves into a new phase of regional integration and international engagement under the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, Vietnam plays a significant role in advancing ASEAN's development goals and strengthening partnerships to ensure regional peace, stability, and sustainable development.
 |
| Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko. (Photo: Tuan Anh) |
Its leadership has not only fostered solidarity in ASEAN but has also significantly amplified the ASEAN’s voice in a broader Indo-Pacific context.
Vietnam has also actively contributed to advancing ASEAN-Japan cooperation, notably by understanding Japan's advocacy for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), promoting a rules-based order and respect for international law, which shares fundamental principles with the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
Vietnam has served as a crucial interlocutor between Japan and ASEAN, supporting such synergy. It was under the Chairmanship of Vietnam in 2020 that the Joint Statement of the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit on Cooperation on ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) was adopted. Japan greatly appreciates Vietnam's contribution as country coordinator for Japan at that time.
Furthermore, Vietnam's robust bilateral relations with Japan provide a strong foundation for broader ASEAN-Japan engagement. On 28 April this year, Mr. ISHIBA Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. PHAM Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The two Prime Ministers reaffirmed to strengthen the cooperation under the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World” as Vietnam enters the "New Era" set forth by Secretary General To Lam.
What are your comments on the opportunities and challenges facing ASEAN as it embarks on a new phase of development, and the roles of Vietnam in this context?
ASEAN is at a tipping point. The region is well-positioned to leverage considerable opportunities stemming from its abundant young population, digital transformation, increasing intra-ASEAN trade, and growing connectivity with global markets.
However, ASEAN continues to face a range of multifaceted challenges that could hinder its cohesion and long-term development related to security, economy, climate change…
In this dynamic context, Vietnam's contributions are especially significant. As one of ASEAN's fastest-growing economies, Vietnam has effectively balanced economic development with social inclusion. Its achievements and strategic advancements offer both a valuable lesson and a driver of regional transformation.
 |
| Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held a bilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on the occasion of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM 58) on July 10, 2025. (Photo: Quang Hoa) |
Vietnam's constructive engagement in ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), as well as other regional frameworks such as Mekong-Japan cooperation, which provides essential platforms for dialogue and cooperation among member states and external partners, demonstrates the active support to a free and open rules-based order.
The launch of the ASEAN Future Forum is another testament to Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN. Such contributions to multilateral diplomacy underscores Vietnam's crucial role in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
What are expectations for ASEAN’s development in the next phase and your views on Vietnam’s contributions to advancing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
ASEAN envisions becoming a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered community by 2045, positioning itself as an epicentrum of growth in the Indo-Pacific.
The development strategy in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 emphasizes deeper political-security cooperation, an integrated and sustainable economy, a vibrant and inclusive socio-cultural landscape, and seamless regional connectivity. Key aspirations include strengthening institutional effectiveness, enhancing regional peace and stability, advancing digital transformation, and embracing the green and blue economy.
Vietnam is in a strong position to contribute to this transformation. It has demonstrated strong leadership in promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth. Vietnam can play a leading role in advancing ASEAN's climate agenda, building resilience in coastal and rural communities, and promoting gender equality and youth empowerment. Its growing emphasis on digital governance and green growth can guide ASEAN toward a more sustainable future.
Under the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which we named “Trusted Partners” in the Joint Vision Statement on ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, Vietnam plays a critical role in ensuring that this partnership delivers tangible benefits beyond symbolic gestures. As a long-standing ASEAN’s Dialogue Partner, Japan continues to contribute meaningfully to ASEAN’s development through cooperation in strategic areas such as maritime security, connectivity, digital transformation, sustainable development, and human capital investment.
As ASEAN embarks on its next chapter, Vietnam's proactive, balanced, and forward-looking diplomacy will be essential in shaping the region's future. Whether enhancing external partnerships like the one with Japan, navigating regional challenges, or promoting a resilient and inclusive development model, Vietnam's leadership will remain critical to ASEAN's success.
In deepening friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan as Trusted Partners, Vietnam serves not only as a bridge but as a catalyst for innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity. Its contributions are vital to a secure and prosperous future for the entire Indo-Pacific region.
Thanks the Ambassador!
