Open up new period of cooperation, thereby further deepening Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership

President Vo Van Thuong and his wife pay an official visit to Japan (Photo: VNA).

This is the visit to Japan by President Vo Van Thuong in his new position in the context of Vietnam-Japan relations developing in an effective and substantial manner after exactly 50 years of their diplomatic relations (1973-2023), and after 9 years since they upgraded their ties to an extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia. Therefore, the visit is expected to open a new period of cooperation, thereby further deepening Vietnam-Japan strategic partnership.

In 2023, Vietnam and Japan celebrate the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, but as early as the 8th century, Monk Phat Triet of Lam Ap (now Central Vietnam) went to Nara, the Japanese capital for Buddhist and music exchanges at Dai An Pagoda. Thereby, Monk Phat Triet introduced Lam Ap music, which is still performed today in the songs of Japanese court music, with the sound in harmony with Hue court music.

By the 17th century, many Japanese merchant ships docked at Hoi An port, and here, the Japanese organized exchanges, traded, and established a Japanese quarter.

At the present time, the extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia between Vietnam and Japan is developing actively, with comprehensive, strong cooperation and high political trust in all fields from economy, trade, investment, defense-security, culture-education, agriculture, health, labor, people-to-people exchange, and local cooperation.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations this year, the two countries have launched nearly 500 practical and meaningful activities as a contribution to strengthening and deepening friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries' people.