(Press Release)
November 9, 2026
Ministry of Defense Japan
On November 9, 2026, Minister of Defense Koizumi held a meeting with H.E. General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, who was visiting Japan. An overview of the meeting is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister Koizumi welcomed the opportunity to meet with Minister Giang again so soon after the 13th ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in October. He reiterated the importance of further strengthening Japan–Viet Nam cooperation between the two defense authorities.
- The two Ministers reviewed the progress of discussions on bilateral cooperation, including high-level exchanges between the defense authorities as well as defense equipment and technology cooperation, including the possibility of joint development and production of high-speed landing craft. The two Ministers concurred on continuing to advance bilateral defense cooperation under their leadership and contributing to peace and stability in the region.
- Minister Koizumi stated that the visit to Japan by General Secretary and President To Lam and his summit meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi would be important in elevating the Japan–Viet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights. Minister Koizumi then proposed initiating discussions on the medium- to long-term direction of cooperation between the defense authorities of Japan and Viet Nam in order to translate the agreements into concrete cooperation. The two Ministers concurred on holding the Japan-Vietnam Vice-Ministerial Defense Talks in December.
- The two Ministers agreed to continue promoting bilateral cooperation, as well as cooperation in multilateral frameworks including ASEAN, under their leadership, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the region.