During the meeting, Gen. Dao affirmed that the cooperation in the field of law enforcement at sea between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard has made significant progress in recent years. The two sides have carried out delegation exchanges; organized training courses; sent ships for visits, exchanges, and joint training exercises at sea; and supported each other at multilateral forums.
Since 2015, the two sides have successfully held 11 bilateral conferences on a rotating basis. The Vietnam Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard have closely coordinated to effectively implement training activities, experience exchanges, and capacity-building programs under the “Training and Capacity Building for the Vietnam Coast Guard on Law Enforcement and Maintenance of Maritime Security and Safety” project. Additionally, the Vietnam Coast Guard regularly meets and works closely with the Japanese Embassy and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Office in Vietnam to promote cooperation in maritime law enforcement.
    |
 |
|
Lt. Gen. Le Quang Dao presents a souvenir to Japanese diplomat Ishikawa Isamu. |
Regarding future cooperation directions, the Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard suggested both sides continue to work closely together to accelerate the implementation of the “Enhancing Vietnam’s Capacity to Ensure Maritime Security and Safety” project, which involves the construction of six patrol vessels for the Vietnam Coast Guard using Japanese ODA loan. Furthermore, the Vietnam Coast Guard also proposed extending the “Training and Capacity Building for the Vietnam Coast Guard on Law Enforcement and Maintenance of Maritime Security and Safety” project for an additional three years. This project is expected to conclude in 2026.
Regarding the master's program in Maritime Security and Safety Policy, which is jointly organized by the Japan Coast Guard Academy and the Japan Policy Academy and sponsored by JICA, the Vietnam Coast Guard plans to send qualified personnel to apply for the program this year. The Vietnam Coast Guard also hopes that Japan will create favorable conditions for Vietnamese officers and soldiers to join training courses on the application of information technology in maritime law enforcement in Japan.
In addition, in 2025, the Vietnam Coast Guard plans to send a ship to visit and exchange with the Japan Coast Guard. Both sides are currently discussing and finalizing the specific time and location.
|
|
 |
|
Delegates in a joint photo |
For his part, Deputy Ambassador Ishikawa Isamu expressed a desire for the two sides to continue developing their strong cooperation in maritime law enforcement, which has been a key area agreed upon in the joint statement on elevating bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. This will contribute to building a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The Japanese diplomat confirmed that Japan will continue to work closely with the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam in general and the Vietnam Coast Guard in particular, to swiftly complete ongoing projects and implement new ones, especially those related to education, training, and capacity building for maritime law enforcement forces.
Translated Tran Hoai