A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh attended the 10th Japan-ASEAN Defence Vice Ministerial Forum took place in Japan’s Nagoya city on September 10. The forum focused on such issues as respect of law, natural disaster response and defence cooperation between ASEAN and Japan. Delegates from ASEAN member countries shared their views on the decisive role of the respect of international law in peace and stability in the region and the world at large. However, they said, competition between major countries, arms races and unilateral attempts to change the status quo not only challenge international law but also threaten freedom and openness – the foundation of regional peace and prosperity. In this regard, Vinh said countries need to correctly and objectively interpret international law, and fully and seriously implement international treaties and agreements they have joined to ensure the respect of law. While in Japan, Vinh held talks with his Japanese counterpart Ro Manabe, during which both sides agreed to promote collaboration in naval ship exchange, defence industry, cyber security, war consequence settlement, and UN peace-keeping operations.-VNA