Japan-Viet Nam Relations
Summit Meeting of Prime Minister Ishiba and Mr. To Lam, General Secretary, Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam
April 27, 2025
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On April 27, commencing at 6:00 PM local time (JST 8:00 PM) for approximately 70 minutes, Mr. Ishiba Shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The overview of the meeting is as follows. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Ishiba attended the dinner hosted by Mr. To Lam, and the two sides deepened their relationship in a very cordial atmosphere.
- At the outset, General Secretary To Lam welcomed Mr. Ishiba shigeru, Prime Minister of Japan and stated that it is a pleasure to see the development of Japan-Vietnam relations in various fields based on the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between the two countries. He touched upon cooperation in areas such as security, economy and people-to-people exchanges, and expressed his desire to further advance bilateral relations. Additionally, General Secretary To Lam offered congratulations on the successful opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
- In response, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that upgrading Japan's relationship with the rapidly growing Vietnam will contribute to the stability and prosperity of both countries and the region. He expressed his desire to cooperate in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law and a multilateral trading system.
- The two leaders had a broad discussion on economic issues, taking into account the impact of the U.S. tariff measures and China's retaliatory actions on the global economy and the multilateral trading system. Based on his direct exchange of opinions today with Japanese companies operating in the Tan Long Industrial Park, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of Japanese companies affected by the current situation and maintaining close communication with Vietnam.
- Additionally, Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized that security cooperation between the two countries is becoming increasingly important and expressed his desire to strengthen defense cooperation. He also stated that, as an irreplaceable partner to Vietnam, Japan would like to support the modernization of its industry through cooperation in new fields such as semiconductors and Green Transformation (GX). Furthermore, Prime Minister Ishiba expressed his expectations regarding the various reforms being promoted by General Secretary To Lam.
- In response, General Secretary To Lam expressed gratitude for Japan’s contributions to Vietnam’s social and economic development and stated that he would like to further promote cooperation with Japan in the fields of security and economy. He also expressed his hope that Japan will walk hand in hand with Vietnam toward its "new era."
- Both sides exchanged views on regional and international situations and agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing important international issues.