Japan is proceeding with steps to provide an ODA sum for Vietnam to build new patrol ships for its law enforcement forces, President of the Japanese House of Representatives Committee on Security Eto Akinori said on Monday.

>> EU pledges €542mn in ODA for Vietnam despite sea tension >> Vietnam plans $756mn for developing marine law enforcement forces

The Japanese official made the statement at a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh in Hanoi on July 7, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Eto Akinori, who is a congressman from the Liberal Democratic Party, also expressed high expectations for bilateral defense ties to continue developing in line with the two countries’ strategic partnership. He congratulated Vietnam on launching a peacekeeping center in the Vietnamese capital and promised assistance through personnel training.

Meanwhile, Deputy Defense Minister Vinh suggested better joint work to realize a memorandum of understanding on bilateral defense cooperation and exchange signed between the two sides in 2011.

He also thanked Japan for protesting China’s illegal placement of oil rig Haiyang Shiyou 981 within Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

The Vietnamese official expressed his hope that Japan will continue supporting Vietnam in the latter’s fight against China’s violation of its sovereignty.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!