On the day, the national broadcaster NHK reported that during his talks with PM Chinh, PM Kishida expressed hope for further development of bilateral relations with Vietnam.
Meanwhile, PM Chinh congratulated Kishida on assuming office and said he believes Kishida's inauguration will bring a bright future for friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
One day later, in an article titled “Japan, Vietnam PMs reaffirm ties”, NHK reported that Japan's Prime Minister and his Vietnamese counterpart have agreed to work together to maintain the international order based on freedom and the rule of law.
It said that PM Chinh is the first foreign leader Kishida has met in Japan since taking office.
Meanwhile, Kyodo News reported that during their talks, the two PMs agreed to step up security cooperation between their countries while sharing "serious concerns" over aggressive moves in regional waters.
Kyodo cited a joint statement following the leaders' meeting in Tokyo which said the two sides agreed on the importance of upholding an international order that is based on law, while affirming they will work together toward economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
It also quoted Kishida as saying that Vietnam is an important partner for Japan which will serve as the linchpin in our efforts to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Nikkei Asia also posted an article on the talks, during which the two leaders discussed ways to boost tourism with a hope to increase the number of tourists between the two countries to 1.5 million arrivals per year like before the COVID-19 broke out.
