Last year, Japan agreed with Vietnam to provide the Southeast Asian nation with six secondhand vessels that can be used as patrol ships to strengthen Hanoi's law enforcement capability in the South China Sea. Two of the six have been handed over to Vietnam so far, another official said.
Trong, who outranks President Truong Tan Sang and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in Vietnam's leadership hierarchy, said at the news conference, "We are very thankful for the official development assistance and support in various areas from the Japanese government and people."
Trong also said he and Abe "shared concerns about the complicated situation in the South and East China seas" and called for the peaceful resolution of maritime disputes.