Vietnam aspires to forge closer defence links with Japan
VOV.VN - Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich congratulated Kishi Nobuo on his recent appointment as Japan's Defence Minister, expressing his hope that through his new position he will make important contributions to promoting defence co-operation between both sides in a practical and efficient manner moving forward.
Minister Lich’s message of congratulations came during a phone call with his Japanese counterpart on November 16, during which the two officials informed each other about the current regional and international situation, particularly issues of shared concern, along with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention activities. They both used the time to praise the various military medical experts of the two sides for promptly exchanging their knowledge and for sharing relevant experience in response to the pandemic.
Both defence ministers agreed to swiftly implement the contents of bilateral defence co-operation following the COVID-19 pandemic being brought under full control. Indeed, there will be a major focus placed on co-operation in human resources training, military medicine, peacekeeping activities, post-war recovery efforts, and other co-operation issues of mutual concern.
Minister Lich went on to thank both the Government and the Ministry of National Defense of Japan for their support and effective co-ordination during the nation’s role as ASEAN Chair, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM +).
Furthermore, the Vietnamese Defence Minister also used the occasion to invite Minister Nobuo to attend the virtual ADMM +, which is scheduled to take place from December 9 to December 11. The Japanese minister accepted the invitation with great pleasure, while extending his thanks to the Vietnamese side for their work to create the ideal conditions for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Training Fleet to dock at Cam Ranh International port for the purpose of conducting logistical and technical work.