Itsunori noted that Japan wants to strengthen partnershipwith Vietnam in an effort based on the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Minister Lich, for his part, expressed his belief that thevisit will make positive contributions to enhancing the friendship and mutualunderstanding between the Vietnamese and Japanese people and armies, for thesake of peace and stability in the two countries as well as in the region andthe world.
He said the maintenance of peace and stability, maritime andoverflight freedom in line with law in the region is of significance.
On territorial disputes at sea, including the East Seaissue, both sides stressed that parties concerned need to exerciseself-restraint, fully respect diplomatic and legal processes and peacefullysettle disputes in line with international law, especially the 1982 UNConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) while seriously abiding by theDeclaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea towards formulating aneffective Code of Conduct in the East Sea.
They expressed support for denuclearisation by peacefulmeans, constructive and practical actions to fully implement resolutions by theUnited Nations Security Council, contributing to maintaining peace, securityand stability in the region and the world.
The two ministers spoke highly of thriving Vietnam – Japanties in diverse areas, especially between the armies. They agreed to step upcooperation under signed agreements and enhance exchanges between the armyservices, joint work in search and rescue, the United Nations peacekeeping mission,response to disasters and cyber security. They consented to hold the sixthdeputy ministerial-level strategic dialogue in Japan.
The Vietnamese minister suggested promoting army medicalcooperation, including scientific training and research, search and rescue, humanitarianassistance and maritime security.
Vietnam is willing to welcome Japan’s self-defence vessels,he said.
Lich also lauded Japan’s role in multilateral mechanisms andproposing initiatives to maintain peace and stability in the region, includingthe Vientiane Vision.
He added that as Vietnam will take the role of rotatingChair of ASEAN in 2020, when the 10th anniversary of the ASEANDefence Ministers’ Meeting mechanism is marked, he wished that Japan wouldsupport his country in assuming the role and hosting national defenceconferences and activities on the occasion.
At the talks, host and guest signed a Joint Vision Statementon Vietnam – Japan Defence Relationship towards the next decade.
While in Japan, Lich met Special Advisor to the Japanese PM KoyaNishikawa and received General Secretary of the Japan – Vietnam FriendshipSociety of Sakai city Kato Hitoshi, Director of the Sasakawa Peace FoundationYohei Sasakawa and former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku. He also visitedVietnamese Embassy in Japan.
On the occasion, the Military Hospital 108 and MilitaryHospital 103 signed a cooperation agreement with the Juntendo University ofJapan.-VNA