The two sides exchanged views on the bilateral strategic partnership, their respective countries' foreign policies and security-defence situation, as well as on regional and international issues of mutual concern. They agreed to maintain regular visits and contacts between senior officials, further promote the role and efficiency of existing dialogue mechanisms, and step up collaboration at international and regional forums.

Both sides reached a consensus on the importance of ensuring peace, stability and development in the region, saying that maritime issues must be solved peacefully in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The next dialogue will be held in Japan in 2015.

Later, the Japanese Deputy FM was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who spoke highly of the successful dialogue.

The Deputy PM and FM also praised developments in bilateral relations, particularly the elevation of bilateral ties to an Extensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia during President Truong Tan Sang's State visit to Japan in March.

Deputy Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama said Japan treasured its relationship with Viet Nam and would continue to support Viet Nam's development by providing it with official development assistance (ODA) and coordinating in implementing important economic cooperative programmes and projects.

VNS/VNN