Since Vietnam and Japan established diplomatic relations on September 21, 1973, the cooperative and friendly relationship has been continuously reinforced and promoted in various fields including politics, economics, culture, and education. Regardless of political changes in Japan, the ruling party has always prioritized cooperation with Vietnam. Tokyo supports Vietnam’s renewal and open policy, assists Vietnam to integrate regionally and internationally via the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Asia – Europe Meeting (ASEM). Japan acknowledges Vietnam’s important geo-political status and considers it a potential partner for economic, trade, and investment cooperation.

During Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s visit to Vietnam in 2010, the two sides signed a “Japan-Vietnam Joint Statement on a Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia”. In 2011, during Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s visit to Japan, the two countries signed a Joint statement on the implementation of action within the framework of the Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia between Viet Nam and Japan”. At present, Japan is Vietnam’s most important economic partner and became the first nation of the to G7 recognize Vietnam’s market economy in October 2011. Japan is Vietnam’s biggest ODA provider, top foreign investor (registered and disbursed capital), and 3^rd largest trade partner. Pham Thanh Binh, Deputy Head of the Northeastern Asia Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says: “The Vietnam – Japan strategic partnership has growth continuously, focusing on two areas. First, our economic, trade, and investment relationship has progressed well with increasing FDI. Japan’s ODA for Vietnam remains substantial, even as total ODA for Vietnam has shrunk. Second, the two countries are preparing an array of activities to mark the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, Vietnam Year in Japan and Japan Year in Vietnam.”

Two-way trade revenue has reached 23 billion USD and both countries are striving to double the figure by 2020. The Japanese has supported Vietnam in building infrastructure, training human resources, and restructuring state-owned companies.

The practical cooperation and fine sentiment that the leaders and people of the two nations have for each other over the past 4 decades have created a firm foundation for sound development in the future.

That Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made Vietnam his first destination after being sworn in is vivid evidence of the fine relations between the two countries. It’s also a driving force to elevate Vietnam – Japan relations to a new level. Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung says: “Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has a close sentiment with Vietnam. 6 years ago, he and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung laid the foundation for a bilateral strategic partnership. The two leaders now meet again and I believe this visit will enhance and deepen the two countries’ relations. The Vietnamese and Japanese people are glad to be close friends. Vietnam – Japan cooperation will further strengthen and flourish in various fields.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Vietnam will consolidate the bilateral strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia. The visit is of great importance as it takes place in early 2013, when the two countries will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic ties. It will open a new chapter in bilateral relations in the context of regional and international instability.