At the meeting, the PM expressed thanks to the Japanese Minister for paying tribute to former State President Le Duc Anh, expecting that Japan will continue strong and prosperous development in the “Reiwa” era. 

Takeshi Iwaya extended his deep condolences to Vietnamese people over the decease of former State President Le Duc Anh, expressing his hope to further strengthen the bilateral defense cooperation. 

The Japanese Government highly values efforts of the Vietnamese Government and PM in promoting the two sides’ relationship, he added.  

He highlighted strong development in the two nations’ defense relations over the recent years as Viet Nam is a coordinator of ASEAN in the cooperation with Japan and will take over the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020. 

Japan regards Viet Nam as one of most crucial nations in accelerating defense cooperation and capacity, he said, asserting that the nation is willing to support Viet Nam in mine and bomb remedy after war. 

The Japanese Minister congratulated Viet Nam on its successful organization of the second U.S. –DPRK Summit, hoping that the country will play a more crucial role in the region and the world. 

Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

For his side, PM Phuc affirmed that Viet Nam considers Japan as a top and long-term partner in the region, willing to coordinate with Japan to maintain peace, stability and cooperation in the region for the development of each nation and continue enhancing the strategic partnership more intensively. 

Viet Nam also advocates Japan to promote its role at regional and inter-regional cooperative mechanisms, he added. 

The PM welcomed the talks between the Vietnamese and Japanese Defense Ministers and highly spoke of the outcomes between the two ministries’ cooperation, especially the signing of the Joint Vision Statement on Defense Cooperation towards the next decade, affirming that the Vietnamese Government always supports and facilitates the two ministries to strengthen ties, thus consolidating the Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia.  

He proposed the two sides boost cooperation in human training, cyber security, military, defense industry and military equipment transfer, participation in the United Nations peace-keeping activities, the realization of Official Development Assistance projects on overcoming consequences of war in Viet Nam as well as advocate each other at multi-lateral forums.   

He expected that the Japanese Minister’s visit to Viet Nam will elevate the bilateral defense cooperation in particular and the two nations’ friendship relations in general. 

He expressed his hope that Japan will back Viet Nam to successfully take over the ASEAN Chairmanship 2020, adding that Viet Nam commits to doing its utmost to maintain peace, stability, development and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Phuc also conveyed his greetings to Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.