Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya agreed to continue enhancing bilateral defence ties this year and beyond during their talks in Hanoi yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo

The talks took place during the Japanese defence minister’s visit to Vietnam from May 2 to 4.

The two defence ministers vowed to make good use of existing co-operation mechanisms and boost defence ties in accordance with signed agreements.

The two countries will continue their partnership in training, capacity improvement, information technology, UN peacekeeping mission, military medicine and the defence industry for the sake of peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Host and guest agreed that defence co-operation is one of the important contents of the Vietnam – Japan extensive strategic partnership. In line with the memorandum of understanding on defence co-operation and exchanges signed in October 2011 and the Joint Vision Statement on Viet Nam – Japan Defence Cooperation towards the next decade signed in April 2018, collaboration has been expanded, boosting political trust and ensuring security in each country.

On the occasion, Lich thanked Japan for its support in post-war recovery in Vietnam as well as its initiatives on co-operation mechanism within the ADMM+ framework.

Since 2009, Japan has provided nearly US$5.5 million in aid for two bomb and mine clearance projects in the central provinces of Quang Tri and Ha Tinh. The High Command of Chemical Arm of the Viet Nam People’s Army is working with Japanese firm Shimizu to test dioxin treatment technologies at Bien Hoa Airport while the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is considering supplying equipment for the assessment and control of dioxin contamination.

Following the talks, the two defence ministers witnessed the signing of a deal on developing co-operation in the defence industry between the Vietnamese and Japanese defence ministries.

VNS