Japan, Vietnam, Thailand Discuss Maritime Security

Japan’s defense minister to visit Vietnam, Thailand on maritime security

Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera will kick off a five-day tour of Vietnam and Thailand from Sunday to boost cooperation on maritime security, saidthe Japan’s defense ministry.

Onodera is expected to hold talks with his Vietnamese counterpart on Monday to discussbilateral cooperation on maritime security, according to the ministry, adding the defensechief will express Japan’s support for Vietnam’s possible participation in UN peacekeepingworks.

The Japanese minister will visit Thailand, the first time for Japan’s defense chief since2007, on Wednesday. He will meet with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whoalso serves as the country’s defense minister.

Onodera will explain Japan’s policy to the Thai prime minister and seek to strengthenbilateral cooperation in anti-piracy operations.

Source: People Daily