Vietnam to boost defense cooperation with Japan, Laos
VOV.VN - Defense Minister Phan Van Giang expressed Vietnam’s desires to increase defense cooperation with Japan and Laos, during his separate meetings with the Ambassadors of Japanese and Laos to Vietnam in Hanoi on July 3.
Receiving Ambassador Ito Naoki, Gen. Giang noted that Vietnam - Japan defense cooperation in recent times has been effectively promoted, yielding important results and serving as a pillar in bilateral relations, especially in areas such as visit exchanges, cooperation between armies, human resource training, network security, maritime security, and in overcoming the consequences of war.
The minister affirmed that the potential for defense cooperation between the two sides remains large, particularly in areas where Japan is strong and Vietnam is in need. He expected that the Ambassador would play an active role in promoting bilateral defense cooperation, contributing to strengthening the Vietnam - Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world.
Ambassador Naoki for his part spoke of the positive developments in Vietnam – Japan relations, and assured his host that he would make every effort to reinforce bilateral cooperation, including defense cooperation, during his working term in Vietnam.
At another meeting with Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh, Gen. Giang emphasized that defense cooperation is a major pillar in Vietnam – Laos relations, saying both sides have effectively deployed their signed protocol and cooperation plan on defense, contributing to each other’s cause of national construction and defense.
He congratulated Laos on successfully organizing conferences within the ASEAN framework, and voiced Vietnam’s strong support for Laos to successfully assume the role of ASEAN Chair 2024. He proposed that the two sides increase visit exchanges, review the results of the protocol on Vietnam – Laos defense cooperation for 2020 – 2024, and prepare to sign a new protocol for 2025-2029.
For her part, Ambassador Ernthavanh thanked the Party, State and army of Vietnam for providing effective assistance to Laos over the years, and said the two countries have deployed many practical and effective cooperation activities, such as communications on the friendship between the two countries, border management, training, and collection and repatriation of martyrs’ remains.
She vowed to work hard during her term to cultivate and promote the relationship between the two countries and the two armies.
