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Japan and Vietnam have built a special relationship spanning from the past to the present. Just as in the 17th century with the beautiful love story of Princess Anio and the Nagasaki merchant in Vietnam, there has been a strong ‘bond’ between the peoples of Japan and Vietnam, connecting them to this day. This bond has become a strong foundation for the relationship between the two countries today and serves as the groundwork for the ‘bonds’ towards the future.
On September 21, 1973, diplomatic relations were officially established between Japan and Vietnam. In March 1993, Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet made the first official visit to Japan, marking a new step in the relationship between the two countries. The following year, Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama made Japan’s first official presidential visit to Vietnam. Over the next 50 years, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress Emeritus, His Majesty the Emperor (then Crown Prince), His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, Prime Ministers of Japan, Speakers of the House of Representatives, Speakers of the House of Councilors, and others have visited Vietnam multiple times. Similarly, leaders from Vietnam, including the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Chairs of the National Assembly, have visited Japan on numerous occasions.
Over the span of 50 years, Vietnam and Japan have continued to walk together, becoming important partners in various sectors. In 2002, the term ‘reliable partner, long-term stable relationship’ was used in diplomatic relations, and in 2006, a joint statement titled ‘Towards a Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia’ was issued by the leaders of both countries. Subsequently, in 2009, a statement was made to upgrade the status of the relationship to that of a ‘Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia,’ and in 2014, a statement to further elevate the relationship to an ‘Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia’ was issued. In November 2023, President Vuong of Vietnam visited Japan, once again enhancing the relationship between Vietnam and Japan to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia.’ President Vuong and Prime Minister Kishida issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation across all areas, including economics, security, human exchange, and joint response to regional and international situations. This understanding entails a strong determination from both countries to continue to expand the bilateral development of Vietnam and Japan well as to contribute to the peace, stability, and development of Asia and the world from a long-term perspective. This is also reflected in the proposition of a new framework in the security aspect, as seen in Japan’s new support framework, ‘Government Support for Strengthening Security Capabilities (OSA),’ separate from Official Development Assistance (ODA), reflecting awareness of Japan’s position in the stable Indo-Pacific and within ASEAN. Additionally, apart from strengthening existing economic this occasion specifically referred to cooperation in fields crucial for sustainable development and long-term growth and emphasized talent development.
President Thuong, in his speech to the Japanese Parliament, mentioned the ‘good relationship between both countries.’ Furthermore, he delved into expressing determination to build ‘sincere friendship, reliable partnership, strategic cooperation, and a sustainable future’ for the two countries. This speech marked an important instance of both the Vietnamese and Japanese people acknowledging that Japan and Vietnam have been, and will continue to be, cherished partners. Currently, over half a million Vietnamese reside in Japan, participating in labor, investment, tourism, trade, and various other aspects. On the other hand, Japan is the largest provider of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, and in the aforementioned joint statement, Japan expressed support in fields contributing to sustainable development, such as GX and DX. For Vietnam, who is aiming to become an advanced country by 2045, a long-term relationship and support from Japan are essential to maintain sustainable development. With a strong determination to further enhance mutual development by leveraging the strengths of both countries and shared concerns regarding the South China Sea situation, trust and relationship between both countries are expected to become even stronger from a security perspective.
Impressively highlighted in this joint statement was the emphasis on seeking enhanced cooperation in higher education between the two countries from the perspective of interpersonal exchanges. The author firmly believes that the dignity and strength of a nation and its people lie in high-quality human resources, intellect, knowledge, and character. Therefore, the clear articulation by the President during this visit to Japan, setting goals for nurturing high-quality talent and fostering cooperation and exchanges between the two countries, is highly significant, and the author is delighted by this. Indeed, interpersonal exchanges, and cultural cooperation were focal themes throughout this visit.
On November 27, the author had the opportunity to meet and discuss with President Vuong at the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan. The President mentioned the cultural similarities between the two countries, their historical ties, friendly relations, and expressed expectations for continued contributions from Vietnamese researchers in Japan for the benefit of both Vietnam and Japan.
These words underscore the significance of small-scale exchanges between individuals of the two countries. Historically, these kinds of person-to-person exchanges have brought the two countries closer. Such open and friendly exchanges between the governments and citizens of both countries, indicates a future of further strengthened ties and trust between the states. As mentioned earlier, the relationship between the two countries is forged by the people themselves, and the future story of both countries will also be constructed by their people. Interpersonal exchanges lay an extremely important foundation for building trust and a sustainable relationship between the two countries. The author believes that if both governments and peoples maintain sincerity, and trust, share common interests, and have a strong determination to fulfill the contents of the joint declaration, strategic cooperation will succeed, and the relationship between the two countries will become long-term and sustainable. With Vietnam aiming to become a high-income country by 2045, the author strongly hopes that Vietnam will be able to widen its presence in Asia strong cooperation with Japan, as well as that Japan continues to demonstrate its leadership in Asia contributing to peace, stability, and development.
The recent visit of the President to Japan has been incredibly meaningful, marking a new chapter in the development of the relationship between the two countries. During the President’s visit during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, there were numerous opportunities for meetings, (Including with His Majesty the Emperor and other Japanese government leaders), that showcased the compassionate and respectful exchanges between representatives of each country. resonating deeply with the hearts of both nations’ citizens. This meeting represents a monumental achievement in the cooperation between the two countries and effectively lays the groundwork for a prosperous future of trust and mutualism for Japan and Vietnam.
2023.12.05
Chair of Asia Future Association (AFA)
Nguyen Thuy
The “Vietnam-Japan 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Commemorative Ceremony” exhibition (held at Meiji Memorial Hall, Tokyo) on November 28, 2023 (Photo: AFA)
Published in the World Economic Review IMPACT on December 4, 2023.
http://world-economic-review.jp/impact/article3215.html
Japan-Vietnam Joint Statement (Provisional Japanese Translation) November 27, 2023
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/s_sa/sea1/vn/pageit_000001_00004.html
