PM lauds strong ties with Japan as ambassador departs
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 11 for outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure in Vietnam.
PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – PrimeMinister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 1ꦡ1 for outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio who came to bid farewell at the end of his tenure in Vietnam.
Both sides expressed their delight at thestrong, comprehensive and substantive development of Vietnam-Japan ties duringthe ambassador’s tenure in Vietnam. Japan has remained one of Vietnam's topeconomic partners, being the leading ODA provider, the second largest investorand labour partner, the third biggest tourism partner, and the fourth largesttrade partner. Vietnam and Japan elevated their diplomatic tiesto a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asiaand the World". The total ODA loan amount for post-COVID-19 recoveryincreased by an additional 1 billion USD in 2023. Japan's cumulative directinvestment in Vietnam rose to 74.2 billion USD, a 24% increase since the start ofthe diplomat's term. Two-way trade reached 45 billion USD, up 13.6% from 2020. PM Chinh attributed these achievements to thededication of Ambassador Yamada and the embassy staff. He specificallyhighlighted their support for Vietnam's response to theCOVID-19 pandemic at the onset of his term. Looking forward, he expressed his hope that the ambassador would continue to champion the Vietnam-Japan relationship in futurepositions. Yamada, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese Government,ministries, agencies, localities and people for their support during his tenure. He noted that the "Comprehensive StrategicPartnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World between Vietnam andJapan" is gradually being translated into concrete action through variousprojects, including the Metro Line 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ben Luc – Long Thanhsection of the north-south expressway, the Vietnam-Japan University, and the Yen Xawastewater treatment system in Hanoi. He suggested continued collaboration betweenthe two countries in areas like digital transformation, green and energytransition, renewable energy, biomass power and emission reduction./.
A Vietnam-Japan Cultural Festival opened in the central beach city of Da Nang on March 29, as part of celebrations of the 51st anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries (1973-2024).
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on March 29 emphasised the important role of banks and financial mechanisms in green energy transition projects when he received Managing Director of the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) Tanimoto Masayuki in Hanoi.
Vietnam always views Japan as an important and long-term strategic partner, and stands ready to develop the bilateral ties to a stronger and more comprehensive and practical fashion on the basis of its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification, a senior Vietnamese Party official has said.
The relationship between Vietnam and Japan is currently at the finest development stage, with a historical milestone being the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in November 2023, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang told her Japanese counterpart Komura Masahiro during a meeting on April 5 in Tokyo.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s working trip conveyed an important message that aligns with the event's theme -the spirit of entrepreneurship for a new era- aiming to maximise international resources in service of national development.
The attendance of the Vietnamese delegation headed by PM Pham Minh Chinh at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Tianjin carries importance significance, said a researcher on Vietnam.
Party General Secretary To Lam expressed his belief that Australian Ambassador Gillian Bird, with her extensive experience and deep understanding of the region, would make significant contributions to advancing the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while receiving the newly appointed diplomat in Hanoi on June 26.
Speaking to reporters on June 26, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that Vietnam calls all parties involved to seriously comply with the agreement, creating conditions for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.
The President also identified certain limitations in advisory work that require continued innovation and quality improvement to meet state leadership requirements.
The Law on Participation in United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations establishes the fundamental principles, roles, functions, and operational framework for Vietnam’s engagement in the UN peacekeeping missions.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on June 26 visited the Memorial Hall of the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Pudong district, a development model in the new era of Shanghai as well as China.
The resolution on tuition exemption and support in the national education system was approved with 440 out of 441 deputies present voting in favour. It takes effect from the date of its adoption and will be applied starting from the 2025–2026 academic year.
An official of HCM City attributed achievements of the two countries' relations to not only efforts by both countries' governments but also perservering support from people's organisations, businesses, and dedicated individuals.
The two sides committed to adopting breakthrough measures to broaden the scope of cooperation and further boost trade turnover in a more balanced and mutually beneficial manner, towards better responding to fluctuations in global trade and contributing to ensuring a stable and sustainable supply chain.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed the city enhance exchanges with Vietnamese localities, particularly Ho Chi Minh City. He called for deeper, result-oriented cooperation in trade, investment, and strategic development — especially in sectors where Shanghai has strengths and Vietnam has demand, such as transport infrastructure, smart and green cities, and innovation.
President Luong Cuong appreciated the ambassadors' contributions to Vietnam's relations with their countries and called for continued efforts to help advance those ties.
PM Pham Minh Chinh called on the SSE and the Shanghai IFC to share their expertise with and provide technical support for relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies during the process of building Vietnam’s own international financial centre.
According to the resolution, Nguyen Thi Thanh, a member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the NA, was appointed Standing Vice President of the council and head of its personnel sub-committee.
PM Pham Minh Chinh has expressed his confidence that Asia has all the necessary foundations to continue rising, asserting its role as a pillar and driving force of the global economy.
In his closing speech at the 10th plenum of the Party Central Committee in September 2024, Party General Secretary Lam declared: “With the position and strength accumulated over 40 years of renewal, and with the unity of the entire Party, people, and army, alongside new opportunities under the sound Party leadership, we now possess the essential conditions to enter a new era."
PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and outgoing Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio. (Photo: VNA) 
