Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh (R) and Stephen Moore, Assistant Secretary Global Interests at the Australian Department of Defence (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The 12th Vietnam – Australia defence cooperation consultation, which will cover a wide range of issues, is expected to boost ties between the two defence ministries, said Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh.
The Deputy Minister made his comment at a reception in Hanoi on August 14 for the Australian delegation to the consultation, led by Stephen Moore, Assistant Secretary Global Interests at the Australian Department of Defence.
Vinh said the consultation will also help the two sides optimise the role of their consultation and dialogue mechanisms at different levels, first of all the diplomatic-defence strategic dialogue and defence policy dialogue to be held in October this year.
The official noted that the Vietnam Ministry of Defence considers Australia a key partner, which has supported the country in building its peacekeeping training centre.
Vinh thanked Australia for its commitment to sponsor equipment for and transport of Vietnam’s level-2 field hospital to the UN Mission in South Sudan.
For his part, Moore said topics suggested by his host, including collaboration between military corps, peacekeeping mission, cyber security, and alleviation of war aftermath in Vietnam, will be discussed at the defence cooperation consultation.
He stated Australia values ties with Vietnam and is working with Vietnam to identify suitable areas for bilateral defence cooperation.-VNA
VNA
