Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh held a reception on September 24 in order to host Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio in Hanoi.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh (R)
hosts Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yamada Takio (Photo: www.qdnd.vn)

During the reception, Lieut. Gen. Vinh said that despite ongoing difficulties caused by the global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, leaders of the respective defence ministries have been able to maintained mutual exchanges. This has largely been achieved through virtual communication channels in an effort to promote bilateral and multilateral defence co-operation activities.

Previously, the Defence Ministers of both nations had held online talks in July, while Lieut. Gen. Vinh and forrmer Japanese Deputy Minister of Defence Nishida Yasunori had also held phone talks on June 10.

Lieut. Gen. Vinh had suggested that moving forward, both sides should continue to carry out the co-operation strategy as previously agreed upon.

He also requested that the Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam support the nation in its efforts to successfully hold the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+), which is scheduled to take place in December.

In response, Ambassador Yamada pledged further contributions in order to promote and develop the extensive strategic partnership between both sides, including on defence co-operation.