Hanoi: Japan and Vietnam are set to enhance their cooperation in the fields of energy and key mineral resources as part of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, during discussions with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, pledged to prioritize these areas in an effort to bolster bilateral relations between the two nations.
According to Thai News Agency, the discussions between the two leaders centered on enhancing strategic cooperation established in 2023, with a significant focus on energy, key minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space. Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the importance of economic security, particularly in the key minerals sector, and both leaders agreed to collaborate closely to ensure the security of supply and strengthen supply chains.
The meeting resulted in the signing of six agreements between Vietnam and Japan, covering infrastructure, climate action, agriculture, technology, digital transformation, and space cooperation. Japan continues to be one of Vietnam's largest foreign investors, with several Japanese multinational corporations operating large-scale production facilities in the country.
Vietnam has also sought Japan's assistance, along with other countries, in sourcing crude oil due to the rise in oil prices and supply chain disruptions caused by conflicts in the Middle East.
Later, Prime Minister Takaichi is scheduled to meet with Vietnamese Party Secretary and President To Lam and deliver a speech at Vietnam National University. His address will commemorate the tenth anniversary of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy, highlighting the importance of independence and resilience for countries in the region.
In his closing remarks, Prime Minister Hung expressed Vietnam's readiness to support Japan's regional initiatives, including the vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific. This vision aligns with ASEAN's perspective and international law, contributing to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation, and development.