Visiting former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama shared the same view with his Vietnamese counterpart that disputes related to the East Sea must be resolved based on international law.

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He made the statement during his meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Hanoi on Sunday on the former’s official visit to Vietnam.

When discussing regional and international issues, Hatoyama shared the stance on resolving regional disputes in the East Sea and East China Sea by peaceful means in conformity with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Unilaterally using force or threatening to use force in settling disputes in the sea area is unacceptable, said the former Japanese government leader, who is currently a member of the Japanese parliament and President of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentarians Alliance.

Hatoyama added that he, in his position, will contribute to the settlement of disputes in the sea area based on the above principles.   

Regarding bilateral ties, Hatoyama suggested that both sides expand their partnership on vocational training and agricultural development.

The former Japanese premier promised to encourage Japanese localities and firms to cooperate with Vietnamese provinces on high-tech agriculture, especially in aquaculture, rice production and seafood processing.

Hatoyama also said Japan is willing to cooperate with Vietnam to provide humanitarian assistance for AO child victims.

In addition, Japan is capable of helping Vietnam detoxify its environment and provide surgery for children who are suffering from exposure to toxins.

For his part, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung thanked Hatoyama for his donation of 50 wheelchairs to children who are disabled due to AO.

He also hailed the significant contributions of the former Japanese PM to the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan.

Vietnam always attaches importance to fostering strategic partnership with Japan, for the sake of both sides and contributing to the peace and prosperity in Asia in particular and the world in general.

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