(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have one announcement at the outset. From July 12 to 15, Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang visited Japan for the first time in five years. During Minister Giang’s visit, we had opportunities to talk with each other every day, not only at the defense ministerial meeting but also during our stroll through the premises of the National Diet and the official luncheon. They provided an opportunity to further deepen our personal relationship of trust. At the defense ministerial meeting and luncheon, we exchanged views on regional affairs and held substantive discussions aimed at further developing defense cooperation. Between the two countries, there are active people-to-people exchanges, including high-level exchanges and the acceptance of Vietnamese cadets at the National Defense Academy and other educational institutions, as well as reciprocal unit visits, port calls by vessels and goodwill drill, and capacity building conducted among the ground, maritime, and air services. Minister Giang and I welcomed the progress in cooperation and confirmed that Japan and Viet Nam would further promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including in the fields of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and cybersecurity, and jointly contribute to regional peace and stability. Regarding defense equipment and technology cooperation, Minister Giang and I concurred that, under our leadership, the two countries would commence discussions toward realizing the joint development and production of fast landing craft. We also confirmed to further strengthen these efforts by promoting defense industrial cooperation, among other areas. Viet Nam is an important partner in maintaining peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region. It is important to further develop the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Japan and Viet Nam and advance concrete cooperation in the security field amid an increasingly severe international security environment. We will continue to make efforts aimed at further enhancing defense cooperation between the two countries. That concludes my opening remarks.