Vietnam and Japan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amidst Growing Bilateral Ties
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has emphasized the importance of defence cooperation as a key component of the relationship between Vietnam and Japan, urging both nations to enhance collaboration in personnel training, technology transfer, equipment support, cybersecurity, and cooperation between defence enterprises.
During a meeting in Hanoi on Tuesday with visiting Japanese Defence Minister Kihara Minoru, PM Chính expressed satisfaction with the steady development of Vietnam-Japan relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in September 1973. He noted that these relations have deepened and expanded across various fields due to the concerted efforts of both sides.
In 2023, Vietnam and Japan celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with nearly 500 significant activities, culminating in the elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.
PM Chính reiterated Vietnam’s commitment to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy centered on multilateralism and diversification, aiming to be a trusted partner and a responsible member of the international community dedicated to regional and global peace and development.
He affirmed Vietnam’s dedication to effectively implementing the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Japan. The Prime Minister called for increased Japanese investment in high-quality projects in Vietnam, emphasizing technology transfer, management capacity enhancement, and personnel training. He also advocated for stronger economic connectivity, boosted bilateral trade, and easier access for Vietnamese agricultural products to the Japanese market.
PM Chính highlighted the importance of advancing cooperation in new-generation Official Development Assistance (ODA) focused on major projects, as well as emerging fields like semiconductor chips and artificial intelligence. He stressed the need for enhanced vocational training, labor cooperation, and support for the Vietnamese community in Japan. Additionally, he underscored the significance of cultural and sports exchanges, people-to-people interactions, and joint efforts in addressing population and development issues, resource depletion, digital transformation, and green transformation.
The Prime Minister reassured that the Vietnamese Government would facilitate the two defence ministries’ efforts to enhance exchanges, build mutual understanding, establish trust, and collaborate closely.
Defence Minister Kihara Minoru reported positive outcomes from his talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister Phan Văn Giang. He stated that his visit aims to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advance defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest as outlined by PM Chính. Kihara committed to coordinating with Japanese authorities to support further cooperation in the proposed areas.
During their meeting, both sides discussed global and regional issues, emphasizing the importance of ensuring security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (South China Sea). They agreed on resolving disputes through peaceful means based on international law, particularly the UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
PM Chính took the opportunity to thank Japanese leaders for sending special envoy, former Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, to attend the national mourning for Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng and to express condolences to the Party, State, and people of Vietnam. He also extended an invitation for Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to visit Vietnam again at a suitable time.
