Japan to bolster defence relations with Viet Nam HA NOI- Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani affirmed that Japan wishes to strengthen political trust and all-around links with Viet Nam, particularly in defence, during a meeting with Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong in Ha Noi yesterday. Nakatani discussed the outcomes of his working session with the Vietnamese Defence Ministry, stressing that the Japanese Defence Ministry would work closely with its Vietnamese counterpart to enact defence agreements. The Party chief hailed the outcome of talks between the two defence ministers and said the visit would strengthen defence co-operation between the two countries, while deepening their extensive strategic partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia. He reiterated the Vietnamese Party and State's stance on promoting bilateral ties for long-term benefits and also urged continued dialogues in order to enact bilateral defence agreements between the two countries. Meeting with the PM Viet Nam would pursue its consistent policy of deepening ties with Japan across the board, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung told Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani during a reception in Ha Noi on the same day. He assured his guest that the Vietnamese government would continue to support the effective and practical cooperation between the two defence ministries, and asked Japan to uphold its role in the region and the world, contributing to regional peace, stability, security, maritime safety and freedom. Nakatani vowed to do his best to promote extensive links between the two countries and assist regional nations, including Viet Nam, to maintain peace and stability in the region, particularly in maritime security and UN peacekeeping missions. Japan shared ASEAN and Viet Nam's stance on the maintenance of peace, stability, security, maritime and aviation safety and freedom in the region; the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; the serious implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea; and the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, he said. He added that the East Sea issue was of vital significance to relevant countries and the region. Ministers meeting Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh held talks earlier yesterday with the Japanese Defence Minister. The two ministers said the visit was designed to enhance their relationship, their mutual understanding and the trust between the two countries' peoples and defence forces. The two sides highly appreciated developments of bilateral ties in many fields, including defence, since the countries upgraded their relationship to the "Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia." The two sides also agreed on increasing exchanges of high-ranking visits; boosting co-operation in training; effectively implementing the Memorandum of Understanding on defence co-operation in UN peacekeeping activities; and ensuring the freedom of maritime and aviation navigation. The two sides also agreed to continue co-operation in regional security issues, and closely co-ordinate within the realm of international organisations and forums, especially the ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting Plus. The two ministers affirmed peace and stability at sea were the shared interests of the two countries, as well as the international community. They shared the viewpoint that all sides must observe international law; respect the independence, sovereignty and legitimate interests of each country; refrain from complicating the situation; and resolve disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law. - VNS