Minister Thanh affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, people and army are always grateful for the support of the DPRK’s Party, State and army to Vietnam in its past struggles for national liberation and its current process of national construction and defence.

He expressed his hope that Ambassador Kim Chang-il, during his working term in Vietnam, would actively contribute to developing the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, fostered by late Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kim Il Sung and nourished by leaders of the two nations.

Ambassador Kim Chang-il congratulated Vietnam on its successful organisation of the Thang Long-Hanoi millennium anniversary, the ASEAN Summit and the 11^th National Party Congress.

He said he hoped defence cooperation between the two countries would further strengthen in future.