Joint Statement on Upgrading Vietnam-Japan Relations: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

At the invitation of the State of Japan, President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Vo Van Thuong and his wife Phan Thi Thanh Tam paid an official visit to Japan from November 27 to 30, 2023. During the visit, the Emperor and Empress of Japan met and hosted President Vo Van Thuong and his wife. Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and President Vo Van Thuong attended the official welcoming ceremony, inspected the honor guard, held talks, delivered joint press statements, and witnessed the signing of cooperation documents. President Vo Van Thuong also delivered a policy speech at the Japanese National Assembly and visited Fukuoka Prefecture.

This visit to Japan by President Vo Van Thuong and his wife takes place in the context of many activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (September 21, 1973 - September 21, 2023) being held between Japan and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Based on the outstanding achievements of bilateral relations in all fields over the past 50 years, with open cooperation potential and firm belief in the bright future of bilateral relations, in order to meet the aspirations of the people of the two countries, President Vo Van Thuong and Prime Minister Kishida agreed to issue a Joint Statement on upgrading Vietnam - Japan relations to "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World" at the talks on November 27, 2023, thereby affirming the desire of the two countries to jointly promote cooperation in all fields to new heights and expand to new areas of cooperation.

The two leaders emphasized the fundamental principles guiding Vietnam-Japan relations, including respect for the United Nations Charter, compliance with international law, and respect for each country's political system, independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Assessment of the development of Vietnam-Japan relations

1. The two leaders highly appreciated the impressive, strong, and comprehensive development of the cooperative and friendly relations between Vietnam and Japan since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973, especially since the two countries' relationship was upgraded to the Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia in 2014. The two leaders expressed their delight at the fact that the two countries have become important economic partners after 50 years, emphasizing that Japan is currently the largest provider of official development assistance (ODA), the second largest partner in labor cooperation, the third largest in investment and tourism, and the fourth largest in trade of Vietnam. Prime Minister Kishida affirmed that Japan is committed to supporting a "strong, independent, self-reliant, and successful industrialization and modernization" Vietnam.

2. The two leaders shared the view that regular contacts, exchanges and cooperation at high and all levels between the two sides have been maintained regularly, and dialogue mechanisms between ministries and sectors of the two countries have been expanded and effectively implemented. The two leaders agreed that cooperation in the fields of economics, trade, investment, social development, national defense and security, culture, education, tourism, agriculture, environment, health, labor, information, communications, transportation, construction, justice, people-to-people exchange, and cooperation between localities... has become increasingly in-depth and effective.

3. President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated the positive contributions of Japan's official development assistance (ODA) and investment from Japanese enterprises to the nation-building process and the stable and comprehensive socio-economic development of Vietnam over the past years and affirmed that Japan will continue to maintain its position as one of Vietnam's leading important partners in economic cooperation. President Vo Van Thuong sincerely thanked the timely and meaningful support of the Government and people of Japan to help Vietnam overcome the difficult period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the increasingly close people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. The Vietnamese community in Japan has grown rapidly, becoming the second largest foreign community in Japan, reaching more than 520,000 people. The Japanese community in Vietnam has also continued to increase, reaching 22,000 people. The two leaders affirmed that the Vietnamese and Japanese communities in the two countries have been making great contributions to socio-economic development and are important factors for the sustainable development of the Vietnam-Japan friendly cooperative relationship. In particular, the two leaders highly appreciated the important contributions of Vietnamese workers - about a quarter of foreign workers in Japan, including technical interns (185,600 people) and specified skilled workers (97,500 people) and engineers, experts in the fields of culture, society and international services (87,900 people) to the economic development of both countries.

5. The two leaders expressed their delight at the development in the fields of cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between the two countries, especially the expansion in scale, quality and influence of Vietnamese and Japanese festivals, which have contributed positively to enhancing understanding, friendship and social cohesion between the people of the two countries.

6. The two leaders agreed that the official visit to Japan by President Vo Van Thuong and his wife and the official visit to Vietnam by the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Japan last September were events of special significance to both countries in the year of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two leaders highly appreciated the more than 500 commemorative activities that are being and will be implemented in both countries in all fields, carried out by agencies in the public and private sectors, notably the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, festivals held in both countries such as the Vietnam Festival and the Japan Festival, seminars and forums on economy, green transformation, digital transformation, cultural exchanges including concerts, martial arts performances such as Vovinam (Vietnamese martial arts), traditional art programs such as Kyogen drama performances, the opera "Princess Anio". The two leaders also agreed that these projects have connected the dynamic youth of the two countries, thereby laying the foundation for the bilateral relationship to develop even more in the coming time and reach out to the world on the basis of an equal partnership.

7. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida affirmed the importance of Vietnam in implementing Japan's foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region and highly appreciated Vietnam's active and constructive contributions to international and regional issues. President Vo Van Thuong affirmed that Vietnam always considers Japan one of its leading and long-term important partners, and expressed his hope that Japan will continue to promote its leading role in maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. The two leaders said that the scale of bilateral cooperation has been expanded, contributing to peace and prosperity not only for the two countries and peoples, but also for Asia and the world.

Multi-level, multi-layered dialogue and contact

8. The two leaders affirmed to maintain annual high-level exchanges and contacts, thereby contributing to strengthening the friendly and trustworthy relationship between the two countries' senior leaders. The two sides affirmed to increase exchanges through all channels, including the Party, Government, National Assembly, people-to-people exchanges, and local cooperation of the two countries, especially exchanges between parliamentarians, including between the two Parliamentary Friendship Groups, the Youth Union, young parliamentarians, female parliamentarians, etc., thereby consolidating a solid foundation and political trust for bilateral cooperation in all fields.

9. The two sides agreed to continue to effectively implement bilateral dialogue mechanisms, including ministerial-level mechanisms such as the Vietnam-Japan Cooperation Committee, the Joint Committee on Trade, Energy and Industry, the Vietnam-Japan Agricultural Cooperation Dialogue, the Vietnam-Japan Maritime Policy Dialogue and regular deputy-ministerial dialogue mechanisms between the two countries in the fields of diplomacy, defense, security, construction, transportation, and disaster risk reduction. The two leaders assigned ministries and sectors of the two countries to study and establish new bilateral cooperation mechanisms, ensuring substance, effectiveness, and suitability to the needs of both sides, for example in the fields of science and technology, health, justice, education and training.

10. The two sides welcomed the close cooperation between the two Foreign Ministries and agreed to continue to support and cooperate so that the diplomatic and consular representative agencies of the two countries can operate smoothly.

Security and defense cooperation

11. The two leaders affirmed to strengthen substantive and effective cooperation in the defense field on the basis of the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-Japan Defense Cooperation towards the Next Decade signed in April 2018, the Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defense cooperation and exchanges signed in October 2011, and other agreements between the two Defense Ministries.
12. The two leaders affirmed to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, maintain and improve the effectiveness of the two countries' defense dialogue and consultation mechanisms; strengthen cooperation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, overcoming the consequences of war such as mine clearance, dioxin remediation, military medicine, humanitarian aid and disaster relief, human resource training, and transfer of defense equipment and technology to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense. The two sides affirmed to increase consultation and support each other at regional defense and security mechanisms and forums with the participation of the two countries. Based on the Agreement on the transfer of defense technology and equipment signed in September 2021, the two sides agreed on the importance of pursuing the implementation of procedures for this transfer.

13. Prime Minister Kishida explained that Japan has established a new cooperation framework, called “Official Security Assistance” (OSA), to deepen security cooperation and contribute to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security. President Vo Van Thuong took note of Prime Minister Kishida’s comments and the two leaders agreed to assign relevant agencies to discuss the content of this new framework.

14. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation on maritime safety and security through increased cooperation activities, including joint training, information sharing and capacity building of the two countries' coast guard forces.

15. The two leaders affirmed their intention to strengthen cooperation in the fields of security, intelligence and police. In particular, the two sides stressed the importance of effectively implementing dialogue mechanisms, increasing delegation exchanges, sharing information, coordinating assessments and forecasts on international and regional issues of mutual concern, disseminating laws and regulations of the host country to citizens of one country living in the other, and studying and expanding cooperation to respond to and resolve challenges in the field of non-traditional security such as cyber security, economic security, terrorism, transnational organized crime including online and telephone fraud from abroad, cybercrime and human trafficking.

Linking two economies, ensuring economic security

16. The two leaders agreed to continue strengthening economic ties between the two countries and affirmed the importance of cooperation to ensure economic security. Japan reaffirmed its continued support for Vietnam in building an independent, self-reliant economy, deeply integrating into the international community, and industrializing and modernizing with the goal of becoming a developed country by 2045. As evidence of this effort, the two leaders welcomed the fact that ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) had submitted a policy report on “Vietnam 2045” to the two leaders for reference in policy making towards Vietnam’s industrialization and modernization. President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated Prime Minister Kishida’s new economic policy on the cycle of growth and equitable distribution.

17. The two leaders shared the common perception that Japan's official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam has made positive contributions to Vietnam's socio-economic development over the past 30 years and affirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation to energize ODA cooperation with Japan and promote large-scale, high-quality infrastructure development projects in Vietnam. Accordingly, the two leaders welcomed the prospect that the value of loans in Yen in Japan's fiscal year 2023 could exceed 100 billion Yen for the first time since Japan's fiscal year 2017. The two leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to step up efforts to resolve outstanding difficulties in the implementation of Japan's ODA projects, including technical cooperation projects in Vietnam, through a cooperation mechanism; and shared the intention to promote and implement new Japanese ODA projects within the framework of the new ODA Charter, including the “Co-creation for a Common Goal” initiative in areas such as infrastructure, digital transformation, green transformation, climate change response, and healthcare, recognizing the importance of factors such as high incentives, simple procedures, and flexibility.

18. The two leaders shared a common understanding of the urgency of promoting major economic projects, including projects using Japanese ODA and FDI; affirmed that they would identify specific projects as soon as possible, thereby studying the possibility of establishing a coordination working group between the two governments in Vietnam to accelerate the implementation of these major projects.

19. The two leaders affirmed that they will launch the next phase of the Vietnam-Japan Joint Initiative early next year. During this process, the two leaders agreed to review the Joint Initiative to address new challenges facing both countries based on the principle of equal partnership. In this context, the two leaders identified the common agenda items to be discussed as “Asia Zero Emission Community/Green Growth” (AZEC/GX), “Innovation/Digital Transformation” (Innovation/DX), “Strengthening supply chains, including the development of supporting industries” and “Building a highly skilled workforce”, and stressed the importance of achieving concrete results, including increased investment in each of the above areas.

20. The two leaders affirmed their desire to enhance the resilience of supply chains to ensure stable production activities for the benefit of both sides, taking into account the importance of transparent, diversified, secure, sustainable and stable supply chains. Affirming that Vietnam plays an important role in Japan's efforts to diversify and upgrade its supply chain network through digital technology and other areas, Japan expressed its intention to implement measures that contribute to the diversification and upgrading of Japanese companies' supply chains, and to facilitate deeper and more substantial participation of Vietnamese enterprises in global supply chains led by Japanese enterprises. Vietnam expressed its willingness to create all favorable conditions for Japanese enterprises to invest in Vietnam. The two sides expressed their willingness to jointly develop future-oriented co-creation projects.

21. The two leaders agreed that the two countries will continue to cooperate closely to effectively implement the “Medium- and Long-term Vision for Vietnam-Japan Agricultural Cooperation”, thereby promoting high-quality agricultural cooperation through attracting investment, technology and knowledge transfer, developing high-quality human resources, South-South cooperation and trilateral cooperation through ODA projects. The two leaders welcomed the adoption of the “ASEAN-Japan MIDORI Cooperation Plan” agreed at the ASEAN-Japan Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting, contributing to promoting cooperation towards enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the agriculture and food system through innovation and ensuring regional food security. The two leaders also affirmed that the two sides will first speed up intergovernmental expert consultations on animal and plant quarantine to open the market for Vietnamese grapefruit and Japanese grapes as soon as possible, and then consult on opening the market for Vietnamese passion fruit and Japanese peaches.

22. The two leaders reaffirmed their understanding that comprehensive measures against cyber piracy, such as those on websites that pirate Japanese manga, are necessary from the perspective of promoting sound economic development in the field of intellectual property. The two sides welcomed the progress made in the areas to date, and affirmed the need to further implement measures that meet international standards for stronger, more comprehensive, and more effective protection.

23. The two leaders shared the intention to enhance economic cooperation related to maritime issues, including the exploitation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Cooperation in human resource development, culture, tourism, local and people-to-people exchanges

24. The two leaders affirmed that the two countries will further strengthen cooperation in education and training, develop high-quality human resources, including in key industrial and supporting industries, promote training activities for strategic-level officials of the Party, State and Government of Vietnam, and vocational training. The two leaders affirmed that the Vietnam-Japan University is a symbolic cooperation project in the field of education between the two countries and will continue to cooperate regarding the development of the University. The two sides affirmed to increase efforts to encourage Vietnamese students to study in Japan, enhance exchanges in the field of education between the two countries, and promote Japanese language teaching through various measures, including improving quality in Vietnam. The two leaders agreed on the importance of promoting Japanese studies and Vietnamese studies, including language learning, to enhance mutual understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries.

25. The two governments have supported the improvement of people-to-people exchanges through activities such as tourism and cultural festivals held in each country. Following this support, the two leaders affirmed that they will promote cooperation in the fields of culture, arts, science, technology and sports, thereby enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries. The two leaders affirmed to promote cooperation in the field of cultural heritage conservation based on Japan's expertise, technology and experience.

26. The two leaders agreed on the need to create a favorable environment for citizens of the two countries to travel to promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Japan highly appreciated Vietnam's extension of visa-free stay for Japanese citizens to 45 days and facilitating the issuance of e-visas for Japanese citizens. The Japanese Government will make further efforts to simplify visa procedures, expand the scope of e-visas, and issue multiple-entry visas to Vietnamese citizens traveling to Japan for personal purposes.

27. The two leaders highly appreciated the new developments in cooperation between localities of the two countries in recent times and reaffirmed that this is a practical and effective channel to enhance substantive cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, trade, tourism and labor, while consolidating the foundation of friendship between the two peoples. The two leaders shared the importance of strengthening relations between localities in various forms, encouraging dialogue, including the establishment of forums between localities of the two countries.

28. The two leaders shared the common understanding that sending Vietnamese trainees, workers and students to Japan brings practical benefits to both countries. The two sides will promote the sending of Vietnamese trainees and workers in fields that meet the needs of the two countries. The two sides will also cooperate to support Vietnamese trainees and workers in finding suitable jobs after returning home.

29. Japan affirmed that it will pay more attention to creating conditions for Vietnamese people in Japan to integrate into Japanese society, play an active role in the local community, and contribute to the socio-economic development of both countries. Vietnam expressed its desire to improve the income and living conditions of Vietnamese people working in Japan. Japan said it will continue to improve the environment, working conditions, living conditions and social security for Vietnamese people in Japan. In addition, Japan will also consider reviewing the Technical Intern Training Program and establish a new program to attract and develop human resources. The two leaders agreed that the two countries will increase information sharing, research and implement measures to resolve issues arising in the dispatch and reception of Vietnamese technical interns, workers, and international students. The two leaders agreed to assign relevant agencies to accelerate the negotiation process of the bilateral agreement on social security.

Cooperation in a number of new areas such as energy, environment, science and technology, green transformation, digital transformation, innovation

30. The two leaders shared a common understanding of the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the Field of Energy Transition between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan.

31. The two leaders affirmed that the two countries will promote cooperation in the fields of smart grids, smart cities, electricity market development, and energy localization. Vietnam will encourage Japanese enterprises to participate in the liquefied gas market in Vietnam, in accordance with Vietnamese laws, and promote technology transfer and human resource development in the liquefied gas electricity sector in Vietnam.

32. The two leaders affirmed that they will further promote cooperation in the development and innovation of the digital economy, in order to create momentum for rapid and sustainable economic development. Regarding areas such as digital government, digital economy, digital society, and potential new core industries such as semiconductors, the two leaders also affirmed their commitment to cooperate in developing these industries. The two leaders also recognized the importance of facilitating the free flow of data across borders, developing digital connectivity, and promoting consumer and business confidence in the digital economy.

Cooperation in some other fields

33. The two leaders affirmed that the two countries will continue to promote cooperation in law and justice to enhance mutual trust; including cooperation on the basis of the bilateral Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, the United Nations Convention against Transboundary Organized Crime to which both sides are members, the Joint Statement of the Special ASEAN-Japan Justice Ministers' Meeting and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the two Ministries of Justice in the field of law and justice.

34. President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated the technical assistance that Japan has provided to Vietnam over the years and the two leaders affirmed to continue to strengthen cooperation, including capacity building in the legal and judicial fields.

35. The two leaders confirmed the importance of strengthening health cooperation between the two countries within the framework of AHWIN and Japan's Global Health Strategy, including the areas of prevention of infectious diseases, cancer, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), population aging, health care for the elderly, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. Japan will continue to support Vietnam in research, technology and engineering transfer, training of medical human resources, technical assistance in health policy formulation, promotion and support for bilateral cooperation programs between medical institutions, research institutes, and development of cooperation platforms through the Advanced Medical Center Vietnam (MEV) and medical staff training institutions of the two countries.

36. The two leaders affirmed that the two countries will continue to strengthen cooperation in construction, transportation, disaster risk reduction and urban development, in which Japan will increase technical assistance and promote projects, including underground space management projects, urban underground works and water-related disaster risk reduction, “Smart JAMP” - a smart city program based on the ASEAN-Japan joint partnership, national standards on seaports, etc.

Regional and international issues

37. The two leaders emphasized the importance of a free and open international order based on the rule of law and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter to promote cooperation and achieve peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed that Vietnam and ASEAN are important partners in helping Japan realize its Vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), and Japan stands ready to support Vietnam and ASEAN, including within the framework of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and in implementing the 23rd ASEAN-Japan Summit Joint Statement on Cooperation on AOIP. President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated Japan's continuous support for the AOIP initiative - which has fundamental principles of promoting peace and cooperation similar to Japan's FOIP, as well as Japan's efforts to promote regional cooperation through various initiatives to realize FOIP based on these common principles.

38. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of ASEAN unity and centrality; welcomed the outstanding achievements of ASEAN-Japan cooperation over the past 50 years. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the adoption of the Joint Statement on the Establishment of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to closely coordinate and actively contribute to strengthening the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a substantive, effective and mutually beneficial manner, and reaffirmed their commitment to successfully holding the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo in December 2023 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations.

39. The two leaders agreed to work together to enhance the effectiveness and role of the Mekong-Japan cooperation in the coming time. The two leaders affirmed the importance of sustainable development and management of water and related resources in the Mekong River Basin, and shared the intention to promote close cooperation and coordination between the Mekong-Japan cooperation mechanism and organizations in the Mekong sub-region, including the Mekong River Commission and the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Development Triangle Area.

40. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting comprehensive cooperation at regional and international forums such as the United Nations (UN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), ASEAN-led regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN-Japan Summit, the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN+3, the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM+), the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF), regional and international parliamentary forums such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) and other forums to make positive and effective contributions to maintaining peace, stability, promoting cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his support for Vietnam's candidacy to host APEC Year 2027.

41. President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated Japan's role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2023-2024 term. The two leaders expressed their support for United Nations reform, including the reform of the UN Security Council. The two leaders agreed to work together to achieve concrete results in reforming the UN Security Council, including expanding the group of permanent and non-permanent members. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to Vietnam for its continued support for Japan to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council when the body is reformed. The two leaders pledged to continue to support each other's candidacy for the UN Security Council.

42. The two leaders expressed their concerns over the situation in the South China Sea and reaffirmed the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that would change the status quo by force or coercion, and increase tensions. The two leaders affirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded lawful economic activity in the South China Sea, self-restraint, and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and reaffirmed that UNCLOS is the most comprehensive international legal framework for the sea. The two leaders also emphasized the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and noted the progress in the negotiations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC). The two leaders also stressed the importance of an effective and substantive COC that is consistent with international law, including UNCLOS, and does not prejudice the rights of any party.

43. Prime Minister Kishida reaffirmed his support for ASEAN’s efforts to achieve a viable and lasting solution to the current crisis, especially the early implementation of the Five-Point Consensus to improve the situation in Myanmar. The two leaders reiterated their calls for an end to violence and constructive dialogue among relevant parties. President Vo Van Thuong thanked Japan for its support for ASEAN’s role and efforts regarding the Myanmar issue, including its participation in humanitarian aid activities through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre). The two leaders affirmed their continued cooperation on the Myanmar issue, support for ASEAN’s central role and implementation of the Five-Point Consensus in resolving the situation in Myanmar.

44. The two leaders exchanged views and expressed concerns over the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula, including the recent ballistic missile tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, which they considered unconducive to peace and security in the region. The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation and the full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, as well as the urgency for all parties concerned to continue pursuing a peaceful and diplomatic solution to issues related to the Korean Peninsula, including the complete disarmament of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, for the sake of peace, security, stability, cooperation and prosperity of the region and the world.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation to immediately resolve the kidnapping issue.

45. Regarding Ukraine, the two leaders stressed the importance of the need to build a just and lasting peace, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Charter.

46. ​​The two leaders expressed their deep concern about the situation in Gaza. They stressed the importance of respecting the principles and practices of international law relating to the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. They also called for the immediate release of the hostages and further diplomatic efforts to defuse the situation as soon as possible. In this regard, they welcomed the agreement to allow for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of the hostages.

47. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to realizing a world free of nuclear weapons. In order to maintain and strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as the cornerstone of the international nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament regime, the two leaders emphasized the importance of enhancing transparency measures. President Vo Van Thuong welcomed Prime Minister Kishida’s efforts for nuclear disarmament under the “Hiroshima Action Plan” and reiterated Viet Nam’s strong support for Japan’s resolution “Steps to Develop a Common Roadmap Towards a World Free of Nuclear Weapons” adopted by the First Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023. Prime Minister Kishida highly appreciated Viet Nam’s support.

48. The two leaders agreed to closely coordinate towards the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The Government of Japan pledged to continue to create favorable conditions for Vietnam during its participation. Vietnam pledged to actively consider participating in the International Horticultural Exhibition in Yokohama, Japan in 2027.

49. The two leaders agreed to further promote free trade and affirmed the need to work with relevant parties to ensure the full, effective and transparent implementation of free trade agreements, including the CPTPP and RCEP. The two leaders stressed the importance of working with other members to uphold the high standards of the CPTPP, ensuring that it brings significant benefits not only to the two countries but also to the stability and prosperity of the region and the world. The two leaders welcomed the progress to date of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to bring concrete benefits to the people, economies and businesses of the two countries and the Indo-Pacific region.

50. The two leaders affirmed the importance of active cooperation between the two countries in areas such as sustainable development goals, climate change, disaster risk reduction, green growth, natural resource management, environmental protection, and circular economy, including through the ASEAN Strategic Programme for Climate and Environment (SPACE), which was welcomed by ASEAN. The two leaders welcomed the progress in implementing the two countries’ global agreements and commitments on sustainable development, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

51. Prime Minister Kishida affirmed his readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in effectively realizing the two goals: achieving zero net emissions by 2050 and ensuring a stable energy supply to become a developed country by 2045. Accordingly, the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) and related initiatives such as the Asian Energy Transition Initiative (AETI) will contribute practical approaches that reflect the actual conditions in Asian countries, while also being in line with the Partnership for a Just Energy Transition (JETP). Prime Minister Kishida also expressed his intention to cooperate in building Vietnam's policies and institutions through sharing experiences, transferring technology, and training human resources from Japan through the above frameworks. At the same time, Prime Minister Kishida emphasized his readiness to support Vietnam's efforts to reduce plastic waste and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

52. President Vo Van Thuong and his wife sincerely thanked the Emperor and Empress, Prime Minister Kishida and the people of Japan for the warm and respectful welcome given to the President, his wife and the Vietnamese delegation.

President Vo Van Thuong invited Prime Minister Kishida to visit Vietnam at a convenient time and Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for the invitation.