Minister of National Defence, General Phung Quang Thanh and Japanesedefence minister Itsunori Onodera affirmed to do their best tostrengthen friendship, mutual trust and understanding between the twoarmies at their talks in Hanoi on September 16.

AJapanese high-ranking delegation led by defence minister ItsunoriOnodera is now on an official visit to Vietnam at the invitation ofdefence minister General Phung Quang Thanh.

GeneralThanh welcomed his counterpart Itsunori Onodera in his first officialvisit to Vietnam in the post of defence minister, expressing hisbelief that this visit would deepen strategic partnership ties betweenthe two countries.

At talks, the two defence ministers alsodiscussed ways to promote defence ties in the coming time. DefenceMinister Thanh also asked the Japanese side to help Vietnam withtechnology and equipment dealing with unexploded ordnance left fromwars.

For his part, Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera thankedthe host for hospitality. The Japanese minister also noted that thebilateral defence exchange and cooperation between the two countries hasbeen implemented actively and effectively over the recent time. Heexpressed his belief that the visit will help further boost defencecooperation in the coming time.

The two ministers also sharedtheir views on international and regional issues of mutual concerns.They also agreed to promote defence policy dialogue at senior level andprovide training for officers.

During their stay in Vietnam,the Japanese delegation will visit Military Academies, Commando School,the High Command of Naval Zone 4.-VNA