Vietnam, Japan strive to foster greater defence co-operation

Deputy Minister of Defence, Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (R) hosts Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Minister Chien went on to express his wish that the Japanese diplomat would continue to make important contributions to ramping up defence ties between the two countries in a more practical and effective manner.

Furthermore, both sides noted with satisfaction the recent results of joint efforts on defence, especially through the active implementation of co-operation contents in line with signed agreements. This includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral defence co-operation, bilateral exchanges on national defence related issues. and a Joint Vision Statement on defence co-operation over the next decade.

The pair also agreed to carry out the contents of bilateral defence co-operation as soon as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is fully brought under full control, with a major focus being placed on delegation exchange, defence policy dialogue at a deputy minister level, human resource training, and military medical co-operation. In addition, both sides will try to boost co-operation in UN peacekeeping operations, whilst also dealing with the consequences of war, and accelerating the completion of draft defence co-operation documents, thereby making it possible to sign them as soon as the opportunity presents itself.

Ambassador Takia also extended his sympathy to the nation over the recent damage caused by devastating floods in the country’s central region, stating his active support for defence co-operation between the two sides which looks set to become increasingly more substantive and effective moving forward.