The Military Attaché Office at the Vietnam Embassy in Berlin held a ceremony on December 10 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), gathering about 160 Vietnamese and German guests.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador in German Nguyen Thi Hoang Anh reviewed the gorgeous history of the VPA, stating that the Vietnamese people, who had fought against several foreign aggressors to defend the country, treasure the value of peace.

The army, while constantly reinforcing its defence strength, has actively participated in international operations bilaterally and multilaterally, aiming to build strategic partnership and develop a peaceful environment in the region and the world, she said.

She noted that after setting up their strategic partnership in 2011, Vietnam and Germany have enjoyed growing ties in all fields, including defence, contributing to strengthening mutual trust and understanding.

The Vietnamese Government and the VPA highly value Germany’s support, especially in personnel training, she said, stating that the trained officers will help cement the ties between the two armies and peoples.

The same day, the Military Attaché Office attached to Vietnam’s Embassy in Thailand also celebrated the VPA’s 70th founding anniversary, seeing the attendance of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Yongyouth Yuttavong and senior officials.

Ambassador to Thailand Nguyen Tat Thanh reiterated Vietnam’s external defence policy of not joining any military alliance or affiliating with other parties against a third party, and not allowing foreign armies to set up base in Vietnam’s territory.

Defence partnership between Vietnam and Thailand has developed, with a focus on naval cooperation, said the diplomat.

The two sides worked together in joint patrols at sea, which helped strengthening mutual understanding and trust between the two armies, while ensuring security and safety in the waters for fishermen’s operations, he said.

Admiral Nguyen Van Hien has become the first Vietnamese to receive Knight Grand Cross, first class, of the Thai Royal Family, which reflects the solidarity and friendship between the two countries, added the ambassador.-VNA