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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Photo: VGP

At the talks, the two sides rejoiced at the strong, rapid and comprehensive development of the Vietnam - Japan relations over the recent past and exchanged ideas on concrete measures to further intensify the bilateral ties, including the continuation of visits and contacts by high-ranking officials as well as the thorough preparations for visits by high-ranking leaders in the time to come. They also agreed to maintain and improve the efficiency of exchange and dialogue mechanisms between the two foreign ministries, as well as to further raise the effectiveness of bilateral cooperation in the field of security and national defense.

Minister Kono affirmed that Vietnam’s sustainable development plays an important role in peace, stability and development cooperation in the region and the world over. Japan will support, help and cooperate with Vietnam at regional and international forums, including the successful holding of multilateral activities such as the WEF ASEAN 2018, he said and added that his country attaches importance to and hopes to develop the relations with Vietnam in a more vigorous, intensive, extensive and practical way.

The sides exchanged ideas on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed to continue strengthening their close cooperation at multilateral forums. They also shared the view that it is necessary to maintain the central role of ASEAN in solving regional problems; to boost the ASEAN - Japan ties; and agreed to support each other in their bids to become non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council. The two sides stressed they will cooperate with each other to accelerate the liberalization of trade through the early implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as well as to complete negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

On the East Sea issues, the two sides shared their concern on the recent complex developments in the East Sea, and agreed on the importance of ensuring security, maritime and aviation safety; the settlement of disputes by peaceful measures on the basis of international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982; the full respect of diplomatic and legal procedures; and the full and serious implementation of the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), proceeding to the early completion of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), thus contributing to ensuring peace and security in the region.

Source: VNA