President Tran Dai Quang (left) and Japanese Prime Minister Shizo Abe co-host the press conference. (Photo: Viet Cuong/VOV)

Mr. Abe made the remarks during a joint press conference with visiting President Tran Dai Quang on Thursday to announce the results of their talks. He said both sides agreed to step up cooperation in the areas that directly benefit Vietnamese people such as medical collaboration within the framework of the Asian health initiative, and cultural and sport exchanges, including Japanese language teaching programs.

President Quang said Vietnam and Japan have agreed upon major orientations and specific measures to deepen their strategic partnership in a more comprehensive, pragmatic and effective manner. Quang said: “The two sides agree to consolidate their political trust by maintaining high-level exchange visits and contacts. We will step up cooperation and exchanges between the two ruling parties and legislative bodies, particularly in 2018.”

Delegates at the joint press conference (Photo: Viet Cuong/ VOV)

The two leaders agreed on the importance of a free, open, stable, rules-based and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. They committed to mutually supporting the candidacy for a non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in 2020-2021 for Vietnam, and 2023-2024 for Japan. The two countries will work together closely when Vietnam is the coordinating country for the ASEAN-Japan relationship from August.

While affirming the need to ensure peace, security, navigation and aviation freedom and safety in the East Sea, the leaders agreed to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes without the use of force or threat to use force, and stringent respect for international law.