Deputy PM, Defense Minister meets Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary in Tokyo
VGP - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang had a meeting with Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Kihara Minoru in Tokyo on July 13.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang (L) meets Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Kihara Minoru, Tokyo, July 13, 2026 - Photo: VNA
Phan noted with satisfaction that Viet Nam–Japan relations have continued to develop towards a substantive and effective manner, underpinned by a high level of political trust, particularly since the two countries elevated their ties into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World in 2023.
Viet Nam always regards Japan as one of its foremost and long-term partners, reiterated Pham, stating that Viet Nam supports Japan to play a more active role in promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Phan expressed his hope that the two countries would continue to work closely in advancing each side's strategic autonomy objectives, while noting that the Japanese Prime Minister's official visit to Viet Nam in early May this year generated fresh momentum and created new opportunities for the bilateral cooperation.
According to Phan, his ongoing official visit to Japan reflects the two countries' shared determination to further strengthening the bilateral friendship and cooperation in general, and defense ties in particular.
Bilateral defense cooperation has been consolidated and expanded, building on the achievements made during Kihara Minoru's tenure as Japan's Minister of Defense, and has become one of the key pillars of the bilateral relations, noted the guest.
He expressed confidence that in his new capacity as Chief Cabinet Secretary, Kihara would continue to support and promote the friendship and defense cooperation between the two countries.
For his part, Kihara asserted that Japan attaches great importance to its relationship with Viet Nam within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Japanese Government advocates stronger cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries and is committed to effectively implementing the agreed areas of cooperation, thereby sustaining the steady development of the bilateral defense ties in the years ahead, he affirmed./.
