Vietnam extends congratulations to Japan’s first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

THE HANOI TIMES — Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 21 sent a congratulatory message to Sanae Takaichi, President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), on her election as the 104th Prime Minister of Japan, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Sanae Takaichi, 64, is Japan’s first female prime minister, following her victory in the LDP leadership election.

With 237 votes in favor in the Lower House and a similar outcome in the Upper House, Takaichi secured the premiership after the LDP reached a coalition agreement with the Japan Innovation Party (JIP).

As a close protégé of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and an admirer of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Sanae Takaichi is expected to revive Japan’s economy through stimulus policies inspired by “Abenomics” while promoting growth and reform.

Observers note that her victory will foster gender equality, stability and adaptability in Japan’s democracy as it enters a new era.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to make ASEAN her first diplomatic destination, as she plans to attend a series of meetings within the ASEAN Summit initiative later this week.

She is scheduled to meet with Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Prime Minister and ASEAN Chair, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The Japanese government leader will also participate in the Japan-ASEAN Summit and the Asian Zero Emission Community Summit, a Tokyo-led framework for low-carbon cooperation.

The Japanese government attaches great importance to relations with Southeast Asian nations, a region of strategic significance for maritime routes and economic growth, and a key partner in promoting a free, open and rules-based international order.

On the same day, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung extended congratulations to Motegi Toshimitsu on his appointment as Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.