Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with the French Chief of Defence, Staff Admiral Edouard Guillaud in Hanoi on Feb. 23.

Dung spoke highly of the Vietnam-France partnership that is developing very well across all fields. He is delighted the two sides are heading towards 40 years of diplomatic ties, bringing their relationship to a new height.

Applauding the sound partnership between the two defence ministries and armies, the Prime Minister asked both sides to be active in implementing agreements in this field.

Admiral Guillaud expressed his wish to consolidate the partnership between the two armies.

Speaking of the East Sea , he affirmed backing Vietnam ’s stance of settling disputes via peaceful talks in accordance with international laws. He said he supports free maritime transport on the East Sea .

The same day, Admiral Guillaud and his entourage left for home, concluding their three-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Sen. Lt. Gen. Do Ba Ty, chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister.-VNA