Vietnam, Myanmar continues fostering defence cooperation

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Myanmar would continue fostering comprehensive cooperation between their armed forces and work together towards effective outcomes, following the official visit of Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich to Myanmar from October 1-3.

Lich, accompanied by a delegation of defence officials, is visiting Myanmar at the invitation of Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

He paid a courtesy visit to Myanmar President Htin Kyaw in the capital city of Nay Pyi Taw on October 2. Welcoming the delegation, President Htin Kyaw said Lich’s visit, which came shortly after the State visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, contributed to strengthening friendship, trust and mutual understanding between the two countries and armies for the benefit of their people.

[VN expands multi-faceted cooperation with Myanmar: Party leader]

The bilateral ties in defence between Vietnam and Myanmar have produced positive outcomes lately, he noted, affirming his continued support for the development of the partnership, dedicating to promoting the two nations’ comprehensive cooperation.

The president thanked Vietnam for backing Myanmar and its people during the country’s ongoing reform and reconciliation process.

Minister Ngo Xuan Lich, for his part, congratulated achievements of the new Myanmar government in national reconciliation, economic and political reforms and foreign affairs and reiterated support of the Vietnamese State and Party for Myanmar’s process of promoting democracy and national reconciliation.

Lich later held talks with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing who greeted him in a formal welcome ceremony.

Speaking at the meeting, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said he hopes the visit will help deepen relations between the armies of Vietnam and Myanmar and enhance the effectiveness of the bilateral partnership for regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

The two sides updated each other on their nations’ political, socio-economic, and security-defence development and reviewed the bilateral cooperation in recent years.

They agreed to continue exchange visits at all levels, experience sharing in border management and prevention of smuggling and other crimes, and increasing cooperation in army medicine and between military companies. They will also actively support each other at multilateral forums.-VNA