Japan-Viet Nam Summit Meeting

On May 1, commencing at 8:50 a.m. (local time; 10:50 a.m. JST) for  approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. PHAM Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. An overview of the meeting is as follows. After the meeting, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of documents and gave a joint press conference. The meeting was attended by Mr. ISOZAKI Yoshihiko, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, and others.

1. Introduction

Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Chinh and the Vietnamese people for their warm welcome. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Viet Nam is a key partner in the realization of the "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" and that he would like to enhance bilateral ties between Japan and Viet Nam as the world stands at a historical crossroads over the foundations of the international order. In response, Prime Minister Chinh welcomed his first visit to Viet Nam as Prime Minister of Japan and expressed his intention to work closely with Prime Minister Kishida on bilateral relations and responses to various regional and international affairs.
 
2. Bilateral relations

(1) Economic cooperation
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would accelerate cooperation in the areas of the diversification of supply chains, digital transformation, and technological innovation. In response, Prime Minister Chinh expressed his commitment to improving the investment environment and his expectation for further investment in Viet Nam by Japanese companies.
 
(2) Exchange networks
Prime Minister Kishida stated that the disappearance and illegal residency of technical trainees as well as the intervention of malicious brokers are serious issues. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the consensus recently reached on establishing a platform for dispatching technical intern trainees and expressed his expectations for Prime Minister Chinh's strong leadership. In response, Prime Minister Chinh stated that he would work to resolve the issues surrounding technical intern trainees, who play an important role for society and the economy in the two countries.
 
(3) Cooperation on common issues within the international community
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would cooperate to support energy transition toward decarbonaization and in enhancing disaster prevention capacity through the launch of an earth observation satellite. Prime Minister Kishida introduced “Asia Zero Emissions Community” vision. In response, Prime Minister Chinh stated his intention to strengthen cooperation with Japan on issues common to the international community, such as climate change and disaster prevention. Prime Minister Chinh expressed his gratitude and expectation for Japan's continued support. The two leaders shared the view to initiate cooperation in economic security and to work together in the reform of the United Nations Security Council and toward the realization of a world without nuclear weapons.
 
(4) Security
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would strengthen defense cooperation through capacity building assistance to the Vietnamese military in the area of cyber security, and cooperation to improve maritime security and safety capabilities. In response, Prime Minister Chinh expressed his gratitude for Japan's support and expectations for continued cooperation in these areas.
 
(5) 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations
The two leaders shared the view to establish executive committees for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam next year, and to work closely together to make next year a milestone that would open a new era for both countries.
 
3. Regional and international affairs

(1) Situation in Ukraine
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Russia's aggression against Ukraine is a clear violation of international law and incompatible with the UN Charter and the ASEAN Charter. He also stated that any unilateral change of the status quo by force should never be tolerated in any region. In response, Prime Minister Chinh explained peace loving Viet Nam's position on the situation in Ukraine. The two leaders confirmed that the basic principle of the international law and the UN Charter namely the principle of respecting independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected. Besides, they firmly shared the importance of immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance as well as concurred to oppose any threat or use of weapons of mass destruction and any attack to civilians and civil facilities which violates the international humanitarian law. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Viet Nam's announcement of its humanitarian assistance to Ukraine on the occasion of this visit.
 
(2) Other regional situations
The two leaders held an exchange of views on other regional issues. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his strong opposition to any unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the South China Sea, they shared the view that compliance with international law in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is indispensable for peace and stability of the South China Sea.. The two leaders affirmed that they would continue to coordinate in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear, missile, and abductions issues. They also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar and affirmed their close cooperation for implementing the Five-Point Consensus including humanitarian assistance.
 
(3) Cooperation on the CPTPP, Mekong and international arenas
The two leaders exchanged their views frankly on the CPTPP, taking into account strategic perspectives. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan adheres to the spirit and principles of the CPTPP, which does not tolerate economic coercion and unfair trade practices. The two leaders concurred to coordinate in the accession process of the CPTPP in order to maintain its standards further, the two leaders concurred to work together toward the full implementation of the RCEP Agreement. On Mekong-Japan cooperation, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan has contributed 150 million yen to the ACMECS Development Fund, and Prime Minister Chinh expressed his gratitude. The two leaders shared the view to continue to work together closely to develop the Mekong region.