Vietnam, Japan reinforce defence links

Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya agreed to continue pushing forward the effective and substantial development of bilateral defence ties during 2019 and following years during their talks in Hanoi on May 2.
Vietnam, Japan reinforce defence links ảnh 1Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya inspect guards of honour in Hanoi (Photo: VNA) 
Hanoi (VNA) –DefenceMinister Ngo Xuan Lich and his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya agreed tocontinue pushing forward the effective and substantial development of bilateraldefence ties during 2019 and following years during their talks in Hanoi on May2.

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

The two defence ministers vowedto make good use of existing cooperation mechanisms and boost defence ties inaccordance with signed agreements, including the JointVision Statement on Vietnam – Japan Defence Cooperation towards the next decade.They also pledged to coordinate closely as co-chairs of  the ASEANDefence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus)Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations when Vietnam assumes the roleof ASEAN Chair in 2020.

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

Host andguest shared the view that defence cooperation is one of the important contentsof the Vietnam – Japan extensive strategic partnership. In line with theMemorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation and exchanges signed inOctober 2011 and the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam – Japan DefenceCooperation towards the next decade signed in April 2018, cooperation agendahas been expanded, making positive contributions to political trust andensuring security in each country.

On theoccasion, Lich thanked Japan for its active and effective support in post-warrecovery in Vietnam as well as its initiatives on cooperation mechanism withinthe ADMM framework.

Since2009, Japan has provided nearly 5.5 million USD in aid for two bomb and mineclearance projects in the central provinces of Quang Tri and Ha Tinh. The HighCommand of Chemical Arm of the Vietnam People’s Army is working with Japan’s Shimizucompany in a project to test dioxin treatment technologies at Bien Hoa airportwhile the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is considering thesupply of equipment for the assessment and control of dioxin contamination.

MinisterLich wished that the Japanese Defence Ministry and agencies would continuejoint work with Vietnamese counterparts in post-war recovery, maritimesecurity, search and rescue, and UN peacekeeping mission.

Followingthe talks, the two defence ministers witnessed the signing of an MOU onorientations to develop cooperation in defence industry between Vietnamese andJapanese defence ministries.

During the three-day stay,the Japanese delegation will pay a courtesy call to Prime Minister Nguyen XuanPhuc, among other activities.-VNA
VNA

See more

Novice monks at Pho Phuoc pagoda in Thailand are very interested in learning about Vietnamese culture, customs, and traditional Lunar New Year practices through making banh chung and banh tet. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese communities abroad celebrate Lunar New Year 2026

Vietnamese communities around the world have been celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet) with cultural events that highlight traditional customs, strengthen community bonds, and introduce Vietnamese heritage to international friends.

Party General Secretary To Lam visits Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex (Photo: VNA)

Party chief offers incense in tribute to kings, President Ho Chi Minh

Party General Secretary To Lam offered incense in tribute to the nation’s forefathers at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and to President Ho Chi Minh at House 67, part of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex in Hanoi on February 16, or the 29th day of the last lunar month.

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi and Lao Ambassador Shiphandone Oybuabuddy with officials and staff of the two embassies. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos share festive spirit ahead of Lunar New Year 2026

In a warm and festive atmosphere, officials and staff from the two embassies exchanged new year wishes for peace, development and success, reaffirming the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Defence Attaché of Vietnam to Laos Colonel Phan Huu Thang speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Laos special relationship remains inseparable

No matter how complex and unpredictable global and regional developments may become, Laos and Vietnam will remain inseparable, said Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People’s Army.

Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (R) hosts Michael DeSombre, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Minister of National Defence meets with US Assistant Secretary of State in Hanoi

Stressing that Vietnam will keep close coordination and create the best possible conditions for activities related to the search for US personnel missing in action, Defence Minister Phan Van Giang also called on the US to enhance information sharing on documents and artefacts related to Vietnamese soldiers who laid down or went missing during the war.

Party General Secretary To Lam (right) receices US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief receives US Assistant Secretary of State

The US attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance strategic-level cooperation with the country both bilaterally and on regional and international matters.

General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, receives US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. Photo: VNA

Vietnam, US enhance security, law enforcement cooperation

The Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime, said Minister Luong Tam Quang while receiving US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi (L) and other speakers at a plenary session of the international conference on Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Russian scholars highlight strategic vision of CPV’s 14th Congress

Professor Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Centre for Vietnam and ASEAN Studies, emphasised the significance of Vietnam’s long-term vision. He observed that if the country achieves developed-nation status within the next two decades, it could rank among the world’s top 20 economies by GDP, thereby enhancing its global standing.