On August 6, 2024, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam met with Japanese Defence Minister Kihara Minoru in Hanoi. The meeting highlighted the growing defense cooperation between the two nations. Prime Minister Chinh highlighted the importance of this partnership. By urging both countries to enhance collaboration in key areas such as personnel training, technology transfer. Along with equipment support, cybersecurity, and cooperation between defense enterprises.
Expanding Bilateral Ties
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in September 1973, Vietnam and Japan have built a robust relationship. Their ties have evolved steadily. With a significant upgrade in 2023 to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World. This upgrade came as both countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations with nearly 500 meaningful activities.
Commitment to Multilateralism
Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam is sticking to its plan of being independent and working with many countries. He stressed that Vietnam wants to be a responsible partner that helps with global peace and progress. He also asked Japanese investors to put more money into high-quality projects in Vietnam and to share their technology and management skills.
Economic and Technological Cooperation
Chinh also proposed boosting economic connectivity between the two countries. He suggested increasing bilateral trade and facilitating the entry of Vietnamese agricultural products into the Japanese market. The Prime Minister highlighted the need for advancing new-generation Official Development Assistance (ODA) cooperation, particularly in major projects and emerging fields like semiconductor chips and artificial intelligence.
Strengthening People-to-People Ties
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of cultural and sports exchanges, as well as people-to-people interactions. He also emphasized cooperation in addressing various issues, including population development, resource depletion, digital transformation, and green transformation.
Vietnam’s Support for Defense Collaboration
During the meeting, PM Chinh assured that the Vietnamese Government would support enhanced exchanges between the two ministries of defense. This support aims to improve mutual understanding, build trust, and foster close collaboration.
Japanese Response and Future Cooperation
Japanese Defence Minister Kihara Minoru expressed positive outcomes from his talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Van Giang. He emphasized that his visit aimed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance defense cooperation. Kihara promised to report to relevant Japanese authorities and work on the areas suggested by PM Chinh.
Discussing Regional Security
The leaders discussed global and regional security issues. They highlighted the importance of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation in the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea). They agreed on resolving disputes through peaceful means based on international law, particularly the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Condolences and Future Visits
PM Chinh expressed gratitude to Japanese leaders for sending former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide as a special envoy to Vietnam. Suga attended the national mourning for Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and extended condolences to the Vietnamese people. The Prime Minister also invited Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to visit Vietnam at a suitable time.
Recent Developments in Defense Cooperation
On August 6, 2024, Japanese Defense Minister Kihara visited Vietnam and met with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang. This was Kihara’s first trip to Vietnam since he became Defense Minister. During their meeting. They talked about ways to improve their defense partnership. They discussed plans for high-level meetings, sharing defense equipment, and new technology. They were excited about recent updates, like Japan sending over special technology to protect against rust. And signing agreements to transfer old equipment from Japan to Vietnam.
Looking Ahead
Both ministers agreed to continue strengthening bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation. They emphasized the importance of further promoting defense equipment and technology collaboration to build on the progress made in their partnership.
Overall, the meeting between Prime Minister Chinh and Defence Minister Kihara highlighted a strong commitment to deepening defense ties and advancing a comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.