Joint Statement on the Deepening Relations between Japan and Vietnam

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Nguyen Minh Triet and Madam paid a State Visit to Japan from 25 to 29 November, 2007 at the invitation of Japan, which was the first visit by President of Vietnam as well as the first State Guest from Vietnam. On 26 November, 2007, ensuing the solemn welcoming ceremony at the Imperial Palace, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan warmly received and hosted a State Banquet in honor of President Nguyen Minh Triet and Madam.

On 27 November, 2007, Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda and President Nguyen Minh Triet held a Summit meeting, which proceeded in a cordial and productive atmosphere. The two sides noted with satisfaction the impressive development in the overall relations between Japan and Vietnam, in particular Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung's official visit to Japan in October, 2006 when the leaders of the two countries issued the "Japan-Vietnam Joint Statement Toward a Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia," and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Vietnam in November, 2006 accompanied by a high-level, large-scale economic mission.

The two sides noted that, for many years, Japan had been the largest economic partner and the largest donor to Vietnam. Economic relations between the two countries have expanded remarkably in recent years. Japan's economic activities and assistance to Vietnam have contributed significantly to Vietnam's economic and social development. Vietnam has risen as an emerging economy and has become a driving force for regional economic growth. The two sides are keen to establish a comprehensive economic partnership for the benefits of the two peoples and for the sake of prosperity in Asia as enshrined in the Japan-Vietnam Joint Statement.

The two sides concurred that as Vietnam became integrated into the international society, the partnership between Japan and Vietnam had been reinforced both from regional and global aspects. In various international fora, such as the 2006 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Vietnam, ASEAN-Japan Summit, ASEAN+3 Summit and East Asia Summit, Japan and Vietnam cooperated in regional and global issues. Vietnam will become a non-permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations for the first time in 2008, and host the Foreign Ministerial Meeting of ASEM in 2009. The two sides held the view that their close cooperation would actively contribute to peace in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large.

The two sides acknowledged that even in one year since the Joint Statement, the bilateral relations had expanded and deepened significantly. Bearing in mind that the next year is the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, the two sides recognized that the two countries had gained momentum for further expansion of their relations. Reviewing the progress of cooperation, the two sides shared the view on an agenda toward a strategic partnership between Japan and Vietnam as attached, and expressed their determination to further deepen the bilateral relations.

President Nguyen Minh Triet expressed his sincere appreciation for the gracious reception and hospitality extended to himself, his wife and the Vietnamese delegation by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress as well as Government and people of Japan.

Tokyo, 27 November 2007