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 – Australiadefence cooperation consultation, which will cover a wide range of issues, isexpected to boost ties between the two defence ministries, said Deputy DefenceMinister Nguyen Chi Vinh.
The Deputy Minister made his comment at a reception in Hanoion August 14 for the Australian delegation to the consultation, led by StephenMoore, Assistant Secretary Global Interests at the Australian Department ofDefence.
Vinh said the consultation will also help the two sidesoptimise the role of their consultation and dialogue mechanisms at differentlevels, first of all the diplomatic-defence strategic dialogue and defencepolicy dialogue to be held in October this year.
The official noted that the Vietnam Ministry of Defenceconsiders Australia a key partner, which has supported the country in building itspeacekeeping training centre.
Vinh thanked Australia for its commitment to sponsorequipment for and transport of Vietnam’s level-2 field hospital to the UNMission in South Sudan.
For his part, Moore said topics suggested by his host,including collaboration between military corps, peacekeeping mission, cybersecurity, and alleviation of war aftermath in Vietnam, will be discussed at thedefence cooperation consultation.
He stated Australia values ties with Vietnam and is workingwith Vietnam to identify suitable areas for bilateral defence cooperation.-VNA
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