Speaking to local media ahead of General Giang's visit, Japanese Minister of Defense Koizumi Shinjiro stressed that the trip marks the first visit to Japan by a Vietnamese defence minister in five years. He noted that he had personally welcomed General Giang at the airport, a gesture seen as demonstrating Japan's high regard for both the Vietnamese minister and Vietnam.

Koizumi said he had previously met General Giang during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in late May 2026, when he paid a courtesy call on Party  General Secretary To Lam, and was pleased to welcome him again in Japan.

Regarding talks between the two defence ministers, scheduled for the afternoon of July 13, Koizumi said: "Building on my recent courtesy call on Party  General Secretary To Lam, we plan to exchange views on the regional situation and hold frank and detailed discussions on further boost Japan-Vietnam defence cooperation, including cooperation in defence equipment and technology. I also hope to build a strong relationship of trust with Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Giang."

Japan also reaffirmed that Vietnam is an important partner in promoting its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) initiative and expressed confidence that General Giang's visit will  help further deepen bilateral friendship and cooperation.

Defence Minister Phan Van Giang starts official visit to Japan

VOV.VN - General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, arrived in Tokyo on July 12, beginning an official visit to Japan that runs through July 15.

Vietnam reaffirms Japan as key development partner

VOV.VN - Japan is one of Vietnam's leading partners, a trusted friend and long-term companion in the country’s development process, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra told Governor Omura Hideaki of Japan’s Aichi Prefecture in Hanoi on July 10.