After a reception for the Vietnamese delegation, General Giang and Admiral Katsutoshi Kawano held talks. At the meeting, the two sides agreed that Vietnam and Japan have become important strategic partners in different fields since the establishment of their diplomatic ties 45 years ago. The two countries have attached much importance to promoting their relationship and expanding cooperation, contributing to peace and stability of each country in particular and the region in general.
They have also increased regular exchanges between the two militaries and supported each other at multilateral forums, including the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM+). As a result, mutual trust and understanding between the two countries have been consolidated.
The host thanked the guest for creating favorable conditions for the Japanese self-defense force to visit and have exchanges with the Vietnamese military.
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Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang (L) and Japanese Minister of Defense Takeshi Iwaya |
General Giang thanked Japan for assisting Vietnam in personnel training, its participation in UN peacekeeping operations, and its implementation of a program to raise defense capabilities, and affirmed to foster exchange between the two militaries for the benefits of the two countries as well as for peace and development in the region and the world as a whole.
After the meeting, the host briefed the guest on regional security environment and policies of Japan.
The same day, General Giang paid a courtesy visit to Japanese Minister of Defense Takeshi Iwaya. Extending Vietnamese Defense Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich’s greetings to Japanese Minister, General Giang briefed him on the outcomes of the talks between the two delegations and affirmed that the visit was a practical activity to realize the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-Japan Defense Relations with a vision towards the next decade by the two defense ministries last year.
The Vietnamese head delegate hoped that Japan will continue sharing its experiences in natural disaster prevention and war consequence relief.
For his part, the Japanese defense minister spoke highly of the cooperation outcomes of the Japanese Self-defense Force and the Vietnam People’s Army over the past time and believed that the mutual cooperation will see more positive developments. The Japanese defense leader stressed that Japan always treasures cooperation with ASEAN, including Vietnam. He congratulated Vietnam on its successful organization of the DPRK-USA Hanoi Summit Vietnam.
On the occasion, General Giang and his entourage visited the Ground Self-Defense Force’s Kisarazu Camp and had talks with the Vietnam Embassy staff in Japan.
Reported by Le Xuan Duc (from Tokyo, Japan)
Translated by Tran Hoai