Deputy Defence Minister hosts delegation of Japan self-defence forces

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang hosted a reception for a delegation of the Japan Self-Defence Forces and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Hanoi on December 3.

The Japanese delegation, led by Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) Rear Admiral Yoshihiro Goka, was in Vietnam for a defence exchange between the two countries.

Giang, who is also Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, spoke highly of the long-standing relations between Vietnam and Japan.

Over the past 45 years since the two nations set up diplomatic ties, bilateral relations have grown remarkably thanks to political trust and cooperation in multiple areas, including politics, economy, security-defence, agriculture, culture, sports and tourism, he said.

Such strong bonds have laid a basis for significant progress in Vietnam-Japan defence ties, which have become a key pillar of bilateral relations, Giang said.

Goka, for his part, thanked Giang for the reception, saying he believed that the friendship and cooperation between Japan and Vietnam in general and between the two defence ministries in particular will expand further in the coming time.–VNA