Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son (R) and Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji Kiyoto. (Photo:WVR/Tuan Anh)

The Foreign Minister rejoiced at the noted development of the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership, saying their mutual political trust has been consolidated through regular all-level exchanges.

Recalling the official visit to Vietnam by Japanese Crown Prince Fumihito Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko last month, he said it has contributed to fostering sentiments and understanding between the two peoples.

Cooperation between ministries, agencies and localities, and people-to-people exchanges have also been intensified and reaped many positive results, he continued, stressing that nearly 500 activities have been held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties.

Foreign Minister Son suggested Tsuji and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs closely coordinate to advance the Vietnam-Japan relationship to a new height by increasing high-level exchanges and contacts; strengthening collaboration between ministries, agencies and localities; maintaining cooperation in economy, investment and official development assistance (ODA); and beefing up partnerships in new fields like green transition, digital transformation and emission reduction.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji Kiyoto at their meeting. (Photo: WVR/Tuan Anh)

Appreciating Japan’s granting of electronic visas to Vietnamese tourist groups, he suggested the country further streamline visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, thus contributing to boosting people-to-people exchange and tourism cooperation between the two countries.

State Minister Tsuji affirmed that high-level visits and the celebration of the bilateral diplomatic ties have created new momentum for the two countries to promote their friendship.

Vietnam’s stability and development is significant to the region and Japan, the official said, pledging that Japan will maintain its support to the Southeast Asian nation in industrialisation and modernisation, and create favourable conditions for the 500,000-strong Vietnamese community to live, study and work there.

Both agreed to reinforce cooperation between the two countries at multilateral forums like the OECD and ASEAN.

State Minister Tsuji spoke highly of cooperation between Vietnam and the OECD, along with Vietnam's initiatives and efforts as SEARP co-chair, and wished that the country will carry forward its role in forging the ASEAN - Japan cooperation in the coming time.