Japanese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Kobayashi Maki during a meeting with some Vietnamese reporters on October 10. (Photo: TD)

Important partners of each other

In the opening, Ms. Kobayashi informed about some highlights of the exchange between the two countries on the occasion of the visit, which took place in the context of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.

Specifically, the two sides exchanged views on future bilateral relations in many fields.

In the economic field, in the context of Japanese enterprises increasingly interested in Vietnam as a production base, from the perspective of promoting supply chain diversification, Minister Kamikawa Yoko expressed her desire to cooperate to further improve the investment environment, facilitating the operations of Japanese enterprises in Vietnam. She also expressed her desire to strengthen economic cooperation through ODA and other channels, continue cooperation in the field of human resource development such as at the Vietnam-Japan University, and strengthen linkages in the field of green growth as well as energy transition.

In addition, the two countries welcomed the vibrant people-to-people exchanges and affirmed that they will strengthen cooperation to resolve issues related to technical interns, in order to further promote exchanges between the people of Japan and Vietnam.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner in realizing a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and that strengthening bilateral relations will contribute to bringing peace and prosperity to the region and the world, including the Indo-Pacific region.

The two sides also discussed recent notable regional and international situations, affirming that cooperation is the key to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The two sides also looked forward to the Special Summit to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation in December.

The special summit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation will take place next December. (Source: twitter.com)

Vietnam - a factor promoting peace

In the second part of the press conference, Spokesperson Kobayashi answered many questions from reporters about Vietnam-Japan cooperation, ASEAN-Japan and many other regional and international issues.

Ms. Kobayashi said that Vietnam is playing an increasingly important role in the region and internationally with a peace-loving foreign policy that upholds international law and the United Nations Charter.

Vietnam is also an active member of ASEAN, together with other ASEAN members expanding relations with partners, making ASEAN a core factor for regional peace and stability.

Japan highly values ​​the central role of ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms with the common goal of ensuring peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Regarding ASEAN-Japan relations, Ms. Kobayashi said that the two sides have a lot of potential for cooperation and share many common challenges, so they can work together and become good partners. “A partnership based on trust is very important to us,” she said.

According to Ms. Kobayashi, at the important conference in December, the two sides will issue a statement expressing their determination and shared vision on regional issues, on the common future that the two sides want to create together, and on cooperation on regional issues.

Regarding the Vietnam-Japan relationship, Ms. Kobayashi said that the two countries have all the conditions to bring the relationship to a new level. Japan and Vietnam are cooperating extensively in many areas, from bilateral to regional and international issues. Japan is working closely with Vietnam in areas of mutual interest, to be able to support Vietnam in specific issues, for peace and security in the region.

New approach in ODA policy

Responding to a reporter's question regarding whether the provision of ODA to countries will be affected when Japan is experiencing a large budget deficit, Ms. Kobayashi said that the Japanese government is determined to continue cooperating with friendly countries.

The government of Prime Minister Kishida Fumio recently adopted a new approach in ODA policy.

Ms. Kobayashi said that in the past, Japan often waited for partner countries to propose their priorities and desired projects, but now, Japan proactively makes proposals to partner countries to speed up the preparation process.

Under the new policy, Japan sets out policy priorities for ODA as: achieving quality growth – that is, inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth – for developing countries and reducing poverty; maintaining and strengthening the free and open international order; and playing a leading role in responding to the increasing complexity and severity of global issues, such as climate change, public health and disaster management.

Regarding the policy for Vietnamese people working in Japan, Ms. Kobayashi shared that any policy is not designed for a single country. However, there are many skilled workers from Vietnam, while Japan is facing the problem of an aging population. Therefore, the Japanese government is now seriously rethinking how to attract more high-quality workers, by expanding the field of expertise and improving conditions. She said that discussions are still ongoing, and there may be changes next year.

Regarding Japan's visa policy, Ms. Kobayashi said that Japan is currently considering facilitating entry for Vietnamese people, not necessarily visa exemption, but there are other ways to facilitate the visa system.