The Defence Ministry on December 17 held a banquet in Hanoi to celebrate the 69th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 24th All-People’s National Defence Day (December 22).

Addressing the event, Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh thanked international friends for their support to the Vietnam People’s Army over the past time.

He especially highlighted contributions made by diplomatic corps and foreign military attaches in Vietnam to promoting the friendship, cooperation, and mutual understanding and trust between the Vietnamese Defence Ministry and the Vietnam People’s Army with the defence ministries and armies in other countries.

Vinh voiced his hope that the collaboration will be further consolidated, benefiting peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world as a whole.

Australian defence attaché in Vietnam Matthew Dudley, who is also head of the foreign military attaché delegation in Vietnam , congratulated the Vietnam’s People Army for the achievements the army has attained during the struggle for independence, freedom and national reunification as well as the present cause of national construction and protection.

He described Vietnam ’s upcoming participation in the United Nations peace-keeping missions as meaningful to peace and stability in the region and the world.-VNA