Japan-Viet Nam Relations

(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed his delight at having a second summit meeting with Prime Minister Dung this year and stated that he prays for the success of the National Party Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam next year. The Prime Minister also expressed his desire to further strengthen the bilateral relationship with the new leadership based on the “Extensive Strategic Partnership.”

(2) In response, Prime Minister Dung stated that he is delighted to see a close friend of Viet Nam as well as his appreciation for Prime Minister Abe’s prayers for the success of the National Party Congress. Prime Minister Dung also stated that the Japan-Viet Nam relationship was developing in a substantive and effective manner based on high-level exchanges and agreement between the leaders under the bilateral “Extensive Strategic Partnership.” Prime Minister Dung stated that Viet Nam attaches particular importance to strengthening cooperative ties with Japan in all fields.

(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Dung’s statement on support and understanding of Japan’s “Proactive Contribution to Peace” and “Legislation for Peace and Security.” The Prime Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the progress of cooperation in the area of maritime security, which is an issue of common interest to both countries. With respect to the used maritime vessels that Japan announced last year it would provide, Prime Minister Abe told Prime Minister Dung that two vessels would arrive in Viet Nam before long, completing the delivery of a total of six vessels, and also that Japan had decided to start an investigation aimed at the provision of newly built patrol vessels. (2) Prime Minister Dung once again expressed his support of Japan’s initiatives for “Proactive Contribution to Peace” and stated that “Proactive Contribution to Peace” is contributing to the peace and stability of the region. In addition, Prime Minister Dung expressed his gratitude for Japan’s provision of used maritime vessels and stated that this cooperation is of important significance for the problem of Viet Nam’s shortages in maritime law-enforcement capabilities and also that he hopes Japan will continue to cooperate, including the provision of official development assistance (ODA) for newly built patrol vessels.

(1) Prime Minister Abe conveyed to Prime Minister Dung the implementation of three Yen loan projects worth approximately 170 billion yen and stated that the Yen loan projects that Japan had decided to implement during the current fiscal year totaled approximately 300 billion yen. In addition, Prime Minister Abe announced the start of a preliminary study aimed at the establishment of faculties for the Japan-Viet Nam University and requested cooperation ahead of the opening of a master’s program next September.

(2) Prime Minister Dung expressed deep gratitude for the cooperation Japan extends to Viet Nam through ODA and promised that the Government of Viet Nam would use Japan’s ODA effectively. In addition, Prime Minister Dung requested the early implementation of ODA that the two countries had previously agreed on and stated that Viet Nam would welcome Japanese investment in the infrastructure field. Prime Minister Dung stated that the Vietnamese people have developed a good impression of Japan through the Vietnamese infrastructure constructed with Japan’s support. Prime Minister Dung also mentioned that he is committed to continuing cooperation regarding the Japan-Viet Nam University, including the early appointment of a university president and establishment of an administrative system.

Additionally, the two leaders also exchanged views on subjects including the situation of the South China Sea, North Korea, climate change, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).