Prime Minister Takaichi departed from Tokyo on Monday for a multi-nation visit to Vietnam and Australia, with economic security and energy supply topping the agenda for bilateral summits.
Speaking to reporters before departure, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening ties with both nations to ensure stable energy supplies and enhance regional economic security. The visits come amid growing geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities.
In Hanoi, Takaichi is expected to discuss with Vietnamese leaders the expansion of cooperation in rare earths and energy resources, as well as infrastructure projects. The joint statement anticipated from the summit is likely to include agreements on technology transfer and maritime security.
Following Vietnam, the Prime Minister will travel to Canberra for talks with Australian officials. The discussions are set to focus on deepening economic partnership, particularly in critical minerals, energy security, and defense collaboration under the Enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EEP).
Both legs of the trip underscore Japan's strategy to diversify its supply chains and reduce dependence on any single country, while building a network of trusted partners in the Indo-Pacific region.