Prime Minister receives Japanese Defense Minister

Both the host and the guest said they are delighted to witness the positive development in the bilateral ties.

Last year, the two countries jointly organized nearly 500 practical events to mark the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties, upgraded the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World.

Prime Minister Pham suggested the two countries continue the exchange of all-level delegations, promote the quality of Japanese investment in Viet Nam, and beef up technology transfer, management capacity building, and human resources training.

The Prime Minister proposed the two ministries of national defense spur joint work in human resources training, technology transfer, equipment support, cybersecurity, and partnership between defense enterprises.

He also suggested strengthening economic connectivity, increasing bilateral trade, facilitating the entry of Vietnamese agricultural products into the Japanese market, and advancing new-generation ODA cooperation focusing on major and key projects.

In reply, Kihara briefed the host about his successful talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Phan Van Giang.

Via the visit, Kihara expected to further strengthen the Viet Nam-Japan comprehensive strategic partnership and defense collaboration in areas of shared interest, including those mentioned by the Prime Minister.

Regarding global and regional issues, the pair highlighted the importance of ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, settling all disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.