HCMC – Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held talks in Hanoi City on May 2 after an official welcome ceremony during Takaichi’s May 1–3 visit to Vietnam.
Takaichi’s trip marks her first visit to a country in the region since being re-elected in February 2026, reflecting Japan’s emphasis on ties with Vietnam, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
The welcome ceremony took place at the Government Office with the attendance of senior Vietnamese officials from ministries of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Industry-Trade, and Education and Training.
Vietnam and Japan have developed relations for more than 50 years, expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. In November 2023, the two countries upgraded ties to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World,” indicating a high level of political trust.
The two sides maintain regular high-level exchanges and coordinate at international forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN-related meetings, APEC, and ASEM.
Bilateral trade rose 11% year-on-year to about US$52 billion in 2025, supported by free trade agreements, Japanese investment, and official development assistance to Vietnam.
The Vietnamese community in Japan has exceeded 680,000 people, contributing to closer ties.
During the visit, discussions are expected to focus on areas such as economic cooperation, science and technology, innovation, energy and food security, semiconductor production, artificial intelligence, green transition, and human resource development.
