Vietnam-France defence cooperation for regional peace and stability

Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence, affirmed this in an interview granted to a VOV reporter about the outcomes of the second session of the Vietnam-France joint committee on National Defence Cooperation.

General Vinh, who co-chaired the meeting in Paris, said both sides reviewed the implementation of the signed agreement in the past five years and devised orientations for cooperation in the next five years.

He said they were pleased with the results of cooperation and agreed on practical measures to lift Vietnam-France relations to a new height.

Asked about France’s keen interest in Asia-Pacific situation, Mr Vinh said he told French officials that Vietnam welcomes the European country’s intention to join in the building of a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific region.

General Vinh also said on the basis of time-honoured bilateral relationship, France is giving priority to development cooperation with Vietnam.

In addition, he said, Vietnam and France are allowing their military strategy research institutes to establish direct contacts. They are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation soon.