Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam considers Japan a top important and long-term partner, and supports Japan in playing an increasingly active role to contribute to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son told Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi during their phone talks on October 22.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the comprehensive development of relations between the two countries in various fields, and affirmed the commitment to continue strengthening close cooperation between the foreign ministries, contributing to enhancing the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

They also agreed on joint efforts to maintain regular visits and exchanges at all levels, as well as to enhance people-to-people exchanges and connections between citizens of both nations.

Son said the two sides should coordinate to further step up economic cooperation - a key pillar of the bilateral relations, and deepening the connections between their economies through trade, investment, and provision of official development assistance (ODA). He emphasised the need to promote the implementation of a new-generation ODA programme, focus on technology transfer, and actively expand cooperation into new strategic areas such as green transition, digital transformation, semiconductors, and AI.

He called on Japan to support Vietnam in implementing a programme to train 50,000 workers in the above-mentioned fields by 2030, while proposing Japan simplify entry procedures and then grant visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens.

Iwaya Takeshi valued the role and position of Vietnam in the region and the world, affirming that Vietnam is an important partner in Japan's foreign policy in the region. He expressed a desire for the two sides to further deepen their defence and security cooperation in a substantive and effective manner.

Japan wishes to continue supporting and contributing to Vietnam's economic development, he affirmed, stating that the two sides should expand economic cooperation, and work together to speed up the progress of several key economic projects, including the commercial operation of Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) in Ho Chi Minh City in 2024.

The officials also discussed regional and international situations, including the East Sea issue. They affirmed their commitment to enhance coordination, share stances, cooperate and support each other on regional and international issues, as well as at international forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and Mekong.

So✱n took the occasion to invite the Japanಌese official to visit Vietnam and co-chair the 13th meeting of the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee in 2025./.