Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh received outgoing Australian Ambassador Allaster Cox in Hanoi on June 12.

General Thanh spoke highly of the ambassador’s contribution to the development of the Vietnam-Australia friendship and multifaceted cooperation, including defence cooperation.

He thanked the ambassador, the Australian government and Defence Ministry for helping the Vietnamese Defence Ministry in English language training, military medicine as well as supporting Vietnam within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Minister Meeting Plus over recent years.

Vietnam attaches importance to friendship and cooperation with Australia, General Thanh stressed, expressing his hope that Ambassador Cox, in his new position, will continue to help develop the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Allaster Cox affirmed that he will make further contribution to the ties between the two countries and the two Defence ministries.-VNA