Hanoi (VNA) – An international seminar was held in Hanoi onJanuary 18, reviewing the 50-year relations between Vietnam and Japan and putting forth visions and new orientations to strengthen thebilateral ties.

Jointly held by the Ho ChiMinh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, the event is part of the activities to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the Vietnam– Japan diplomatic ties (1973 – 2023).

Addressing the event, Nguyen Xuan Thang, HCMA President and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, highlighted the long-lasting relations between the two nations, whichwere established on the foundation of cultural and historical similarities,and affinity among the people of the two countries.

He said that the Vietnam - Japan relationship is vivid evidence of persistentefforts and perseverance to overcome difficulties and challenges, paving theway to build a good model of a relationship with increasingly similar interests,growing comprehensive cooperation, and deepened strategic trust.


From the Investment Agreement signed in 2003, just five years later, the twocountries upgraded it to an economic partnership agreement, creating a solidlegal basis for promoting extensive cooperation across fields.

In 2009, Japan was the first G7 country to establish a strategic partnershipwith Vietnam, and also five years later, they upgraded their relations to an extensive strategic partnership for peace andprosperity in Asia.

Notably,in November 2023, the two countries issued a joint statementon the elevation of their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnershipfor peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, opening a newstage of development in the bilateral relations.

Thang expressed his belief that the Vietnam –Japan relations will grow stronger, deeper, and more comprehensive in thecoming time.

For his part, Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam YamadaTakio said that the factor that makes the relationship between Japan andVietnam increasingly close as it is today is the special ties between thetwo countries which were formed on the basis of the historical and culturalconnection.

The bilateral relations, now in the best stage ever, arebecoming increasingly close, the diplomat stressed, adding that preserving anddeepening this bond is a solid foundation for further elevating the relationship.

Participants analysed and discussed theoretical andpractical issues in the Vietnam - Japan relations over the past 50 years, andproposed many practical recommendations and solutions to realise the visionsand development orientations of the bilateral relations./.