Hanoi (VNA) – T❀he defence cooperation between Vietn꧑am and Japan is comprehensive, effective, pragmatic and mutually trustworthy, said Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh.

The officer told the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the fourth Vietnam-Japan Defence Policy Dialogue that took place in Tokyo on November 29 that the two countries share common concerns about negative impacts on peace in Asia-Pacific in general and on stability and development in each nation in particular. He stressed that the bilateral defence affiliation has become increasingly important as it helps build mutual trust between the two countries in a sustainable manner. At the previous dialogues, the two sides discussed regional security and expressed their shared concern in order to raise voice and take actions together to ease the risks of uncertainties in the region and each country, Vinh said. During this year’s event, Vietnam and Japan agreed on the need to raise a strong voice to protect peace and collaboration processes in the region and the world at large. The move also aims to prevent and oppose violations of international law and deeds harming the common interests, as well as regional peace and stability, he added. Vietnamese and Japanese officers noted their wish to turn the defence ties into a pillar of the bilateral extensive strategic partnership, according to Vinh. Apart from traditional cooperation areas, the two countries paid heed to collaboration in maritime security this year, he said. Several Japanese warships have visited Vietnam, aiming to exchange knowledge and skills in rescue operations. The visits are expected to be increased in the coming years with a view to maintaining their mutual understanding and affirming Japan’s legal presence in Asia-Pacific, especially in the East Sea. The two sides displayed their interests in cooperation in post-war consequence settlement, the Deputy Minister said, adding that Japan has constructively assisted Vietnam in this field through a number of projects. At this fourth dialogue, the Vietnamese side officially suggested the Japanese Government and Foreign and Defence Ministries help Vietnam completely treat Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin via one or two projects in several localities in the country. The proposal received enthusiastic response from the Japanese side, he said. Another area of cooperation is search and rescue, especially at sea, Vinh said, adding that international cooperation in search and rescue operations is necessary to ensure the work is rapid, accurate and effective and Japan is Vietnam’s promising partner in this regard. Vietnam is also seeking cooperation with Japan in defence industry for peace, cooperation and development. Besides, both sides wished to coordinate with each other at multilateral forums. Japan has constructively supported Vietnam in the UN peace keeping missions. Vietnam called on Japan to become the country’s leading partner in this work and in building the Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre into a regional centre, firstly of ASEAN. Vinh praised Japan’s initiative on Japan-ASEAN cooperation at the recent ASEAN-Japan Defence Ministerial Meeting in Vientiane, Laos, and affirmed that Vietnam and Japan are companions in Japan-ASEAN defence cooperation.-VNA