PM calls for stronger defence, locality-to-locality ties with Japan

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on November 25 received Japanese Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo and Governor of Kanagawa prefecture Kuroiwa Yuji, part of his official visit to Japan.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Japanese Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo on November 25. (Photo: VGP)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) receives Japanese Defence Minister Kishi Nobuo on November 25. (Photo: VGP)

Talking to the Defence Minister of Japan, PM Chinh reiterated Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence and self-reliance for peace, cooperation and development, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, and comprehensive and intensive integration into the world, which always views Japan as a trustworthy and long-term partner of leading importance.

He welcomed recent discussions between the two countries’ defence ministers to carry out cooperation activities and the signing of many defence cooperation agreements.

The leader asked the Japanese official to keep enhancing defence ties, including in UN peacekeeping operations and personnel training, and assist Vietnam to handle war consequences.

Minister Kishi affirmed that his country will continue working with Vietnam in the fields matching both sides’ demand and transfer defence equipment and technology to the latter.

At the meeting with the Kanagawa Governor, PM Chinh suggested this prefecture’s leaders to step up exchanges and mutual visits to fully tap into the potential of bilateral relations, increase connections with Vietnamese localities, and continue encouraging Kanagawa enterprises to boost investment and business activities in Vietnam.

Governor Kuroiwa pledged continued efforts to strengthen ties, bolster exchanges at all levels, and enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples. He also affirmed more support and favourable conditions for Vietnamese students in his prefecture.

Also on November 25, the PM of Vietnam met with Tatsufumi Sakai, President and CEO of the Mizuho Financial Group, who said Vietnam is a long-term strategic partner of his firm.

PM Chinh noted the Vietnamese Government supports foreign banks to take part in the restructuring of some banks in the country, expressing his hope that the partnership between Mizuho and Vietcombank will become an example for others.