VN, Japan hold 7th strategic dialogue

The 7th strategic dialogue between Viet Nam and Japan takes place at the Government Guest House in Ha Noi on June 3, 2019. Photo: VNA

In a friendly and constructive atmosphere, the two sides highly valued positive and comprehensive advancements of the Viet Nam-Japan extensive strategic partnership over the past time.

Both sides discussed on concrete ideas and measures to further promote the bilateral ties in a practical and effective manner, especially in such fields like politics-diplomacy, defense and security.

The two Deputy Foreign Ministers agreed that the two countries should maintain regular exchanges of visits and contacts at all levels, particularly high-level ones, while improving effectiveness of their existing dialogue mechanisms in order to contribute to strengthening mutual political trust and understanding.

The pair also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common concerns, pledging to enhance cooperation at regional and international forums as well as cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.

Viet Nam is currently coordinator of the ASEAN-Japan relations for 2018-2021 and will assume ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.

Regarding the East Sea issue, both sides shared the importance of ensuring peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, of avoiding use of force or threat of force, of accelerating resolution of disputes through peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, of fully respecting diplomatic and legal processes, of effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and of early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) that is substantive and binding in accordance with international law.

The two sides expressed their pleasure at the outcomes of this year’s dialogue and agreed the next dialogue will be held in Japan in 2020./.

By Kim Anh