Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pledged to facilitate substantive and effective development of bilateral defense cooperation during his reception for Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo on Sunday.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) hosts a reception for Japanese Defense Minister
Kishi Nobuo at the Government Office, Ha Noi, September 12, 2021. Photo: VGP

Pham affirmed Viet Nam regards Japan as a leading partner with high level of political trust in its foreign policy, and welcomes Japan’s positive contributions to, and support the Northeast Asian country to play greater role in maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

He appreciated Japan’s effective and prompt assistance for countries, including Viet Nam, in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and thanked for Japan’s donation of more than three million vaccine doses and non-refundable aid of JP¥200 million for Viet Nam.

Pham suggested Japan continue to support Viet Nam with vaccines, help it access other vaccine supply sources, and cooperate in transfer of vaccine and drug production technology.

The PM asked the Japanese side to continue official development assistance for new projects, especially strategic infrastructure development projects; encourage Japanese investors to increase investments in such fields like supply chain, supporting industries, innovation, and digital transformation.

Pham also asked Kishi to convey his greetings to Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide.

For his part, Kishi, who is on his first foreign trip to Viet Nam since he took over the current position, said he will discuss with relevant agencies on continued vaccine aid to Viet Nam.

As the two countries have embarked on a new stage of defense ties, Kishi assured that his country will continue cooperation with Viet Nam in priority areas such as settlement of war consequences, UN peacekeeping operations, transfer of military equipment and technology, and search and rescue work.

Pham and Kishi exchanged views on regional and international matters. With regard to maritime issue, PM Pham reaffirmed Viet Nam’s consistent position of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, settling disputes and differences in the sea by peaceful measures on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Viet Nam advocates the peace and denuclearization process on the Korean peninsula as well as serious enforcement of the UN Security Council’s resolutions, said Pham.

Meanwhile, the Japanese sides voiced support for ASEAN’s efforts on Myanmar issue in order to put an end to violence and bring peace, stability and safety to Myanmar.

During his visit to Viet Nam from September 10-12, Kishi Nobuo held talks with Vietnamese Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang and paid a courtesy call on President Nguyen Xuan Phuc./.