Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo on September 12, 2021 (photo: VNA)

In a reception on Sunday for Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo, who selected Vietnam as his first overseas destination after he took office, Prime Minister Chinh reiterated that Vietnam supported the safeguard of security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, protection of countries’ legitimate rights at sea, and peaceful settlement of disputes through diplomatic procedures and international law. Mr. Chinh said Vietnam supported the peace process and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula and serious compliance with UN Security Council Resolution.

Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo praised the Vietnamese government’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and promised to work closely with Vietnam, other countries and international organizations in the fight against the pandemic. Minister Kishi Nobuo said he will discuss with relevant Japanese agencies to find more vaccine sources for Vietnam in the coming time. He pledged further cooperation with Vietnam in overcoming war aftermaths, UN peacekeeping missions, and transfers of national defense equipment, and search and rescue.