Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will visit Vietnam and Australia from May 1 through 5.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru revealed the itinerary at a news conference on Tuesday.
In Vietnam, Takaichi will meet President and General Secretary of the Communist Party To Lam, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and other senior officials. They are expected to affirm the strengthening of the partnership between the two countries in fields such as energy and critical minerals.
Takaichi is also scheduled to deliver a speech on Japan’s foreign policy, including the evolution of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” as proposed 10 years ago by then Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.
In Australia, Takaichi will meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and affirm the strengthening of cooperation across fields including economic security and exchange programs.
Kihara said enhancing ties with Vietnam, which has been showing remarkable growth, and Australia, which is a central pillar of coordination among like-minded countries, is crucial for realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”
He said Takaichi is expected to discuss stable energy supply and fortifying the supply chain in the Asian region, in light of developments in the Middle East. He added the trip will be important for Japan’s procurement of petroleum products and critical materials.
AloJapan.com