Vietnam boosts defence ties with Italy
A delegation from the Defence Ministry led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh had a working visit to Italy from October 24-26.
During their stay, the Vietnamese delegation paid a courtesy visit to Italian Defence Minister Giampaolo Di Paola, who affirmed that Italy wants to strengthen defence cooperation with Vietnam for mutual benefit as well as for peace and stability in the regions and the world.
During talks with Italian Defence General Secretary Claudio Debertolis and Deputy Minister Filippo Milone, both sides discussed measures to further bilateral defence ties on the basis of mutual respect.
They affirmed their wish to seek a common voice on major regional and international defence issues such as peace, war, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
The two sides agreed to seek specific areas for cooperation such as defence industry, training, the exchange of officers and delegations, cooperation between research institutes, peacekeeping, and bomb and mine clearance.
They also agreed to actively prepare for the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation at the earliest point of time.
Vinh expressed his delight at the development of the two countries’ defence ties over the past years and fine prospects in the future.
The Vietnamese Defence Ministry wants to foster ties with the Italian side, especially in strengthening mutual support in international relations regarding security and peace issues and the abiding by international law in the conduct of countries, he noted.