Vietnam, EU step up defence cooperation

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has described high-level meetings between army leaders of Vietnam and the EU as an important channel to increase their mutual understanding, contributing to enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.

At a reception for Chairman of the EU Military Committee General Mikhail Kostarakos in Hanoi on December 5, Deputy PM Minh suggested Vietnam and the EU intensify the exchange of all-level delegations, especially high-level ones, share experience in the areas of shared concern and build cooperation frameworks and mechanisms.

The two sides should step up collaboration in such areas as training, cyber security and information-technology, UN peace-keeping operations, search and rescue, military medicine, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and settlement of post-war bomb and mine consequences in Vietnam.

Vietnam is integrating into the world across the fields, from politics to economy, culture and national defence and security, the Deputy PM said, noting that in the sphere of national defence, the country has actively participated in cooperation activities with countries worldwide, for peace, stability and security in the region and the world.

The official said General Mikhail Kostarakos’s visit is a vivid evidence of the goodwill of both Vietnam and the EU to promote friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two sides in the spirit of the Partnership and Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement that was signed in June 2012 and took effect since October 1, 2016.

For his part, General Mikhail Kostarakos said his visit aims to consolidate cooperation contents regarding national defence and security within the framework of the above-said agreement.

He informed his host about the main content of his working session with the Vietnamese Defence Ministry.-VNA