During a phone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi on October 22, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son advocated for expanding collaboration with Japan in emerging and strategic areas, including green transition, digital transformation, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence (AI).

He urged Japan to support Vietnam's program to train 50,000 engineers for the semiconductor industry by 2030, and proposed that Japan facilitate and simplify entry procedures for Vietnamese citizens, gradually moving towards visa exemptions.

Mr. Son reaffirmed that Vietnam considers Japan a top and long-term strategic partner, and encourages Japan to play an increasingly active role in contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and worldwide.

He suggested both sides work together to strengthen economic cooperation, a key pillar of the bilateral relationship, by deepening economic connectivity, trade, investment, and official development assistance (ODA) cooperation.

Mr. Son highlighted the need to promote new generation ODA with a focus on technology transfer, the Government News reported.

Affirming Japan's continued commitment to supporting Vietnam's economic development, Mr. Iwaya urged both nations to enhance economic cooperation and coordinate efforts to accelerate the progress of several key economic projects, including the Metro Line No. 1 project in Ho Chi Minh City.

The two foreign ministers expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive advancement of bilateral relations across various fields and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening close cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs to effectively promote the Vietnam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership.

Both sides pledged to strengthen coordination and mutual support on regional and international issues of common concern, including the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, as well as at international forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, and the Mekong River Commission in the upcoming period.