At the talks, the two defense ministers discussed regional and international situations and informed each other of their respective countries’ efforts to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic. They also highly praised Vietnamese and Japanese military medicine experts for sharing knowledge and experience in pandemic response via teleconferences.
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Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Sen. Lt. Gen. Phan Van Giang at the talks. |
They agreed to boost bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation activities as soon as the COVID-19 pandemic is put under control, with priority given to delegation exchange and UN peacekeeping operations; effectively maintain the dialogue and consultation mechanisms between the two countries’ naval, infantry, and air forces; increase exchanges between the two sides’ naval, air, and coast guard forces; and hold capacity improvement programs for military personnel of the two countries.
The officials also emphasised the need to sign an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments soon.
Congratulating General Giang on his appointment as Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, Kishi spoke highly of the two countries’ relations as well as Vietnam’s role in ASEAN, expressing his belief that in his current position, General Giang will continue making significant contribution to fostering bilateral ties between the two countries as well as between the two militaries.
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Scene of the event in Hanoi |
In turn, General Giang agreed on his counterpart’s positive evaluation of the bilateral relations and thanked Japan for assisting and supporting Vietnam to fulfil its role as the 2020 ASEAN Chair.
He held that the two sides should work together to perform the co-chairmanship of the Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations within the framework of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus in the 2021 - 2023 period.
The Vietnamese defense minister spoke highly of Japan’s proposal and successful organisation of the online Japan - ASEAN seminar on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief last April.
He hoped that Minister Kishi Nobuo will continue promoting the two countries’ defense cooperation in a substantive manner that matches each side’s interests, for the sake of regional and global peace and development.
Previously, Minister Phan Van Giang hosted a reception for Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio.
Translated by Trung Thanh