At the meeting, the two sides reviewed the implementation of cooperation contents agreed at the fourth Vietnam-Japan Defense Policy Dialogue held in Tokyo in November 2016. Expressing joy over fine developments in the bilateral defense cooperation over the past time, the two sides agreed to further cooperation in various fields such as training and exchange of experience in joining UN peacekeeping operations, UXO (unexploded ordnance) clearance, cyber security, and maritime security.

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 The meeting between Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and his Japanese counterpart Ro Manabe

Highly valuing the signing of a diplomatic note of exchange on the Project on Maritime Safety and Security Maintenance during the visit to Japan of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, including Japan’s commitment to providing official development assistance (ODA) for the building of six patrol boats for the Vietnam Coast Guard force, the Vietnamese general believed that this is the important ground for the two sides to advance cooperation in this field.

General Vinh stressed that UXO consequence relief has always been one of the priorities of the Vietnam Party, State and People’s Army, and this work has been receiving much attention and abundant resources from Vietnam as well as international support. Vietnam hopes Japan supports it in piloting the technology to treat dioxin-contaminated soil in Bien Hoa Airport and helps Vietnam carry out UXO clearance projects.

At the meeting, the two sides also agreed to put into effect contents outlined in the memorandum of understanding on the Vietnam-Japan bilateral defense cooperation and exchange signed in 2011 and heighten quality of cooperation contents. The two sides expressed hope for the early signing of the “Vietnam-Japan defense cooperation vision” to guide the bilateral defense cooperation in the coming time to make it on a par with the Vietnam-Japan extensive strategic partnership.

Translated by Huu Duong