The document reflects complete and systematically-arranged information on the organizational structure of the Defence Ministry, forces and divisions, together with the major changes in the national defence made over the last five years.

At a press briefing held the same day, Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh said the document deals with the Communist Party of Vietnam’s views on defence, its guidelines and the characteristics of Vietnam’s military arts and defence policy. It conveys that Vietnam advocates strongly maintaining and developing its national defence, and adhering to a national policy of peace and self-defence, he said.

The White Paper also gives an insight into the country’s defence cooperation policy in many areas and touches upon the nation’s specific policies regarding the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and anti-terrorism, as well as the country’s participation in the UN’s peacekeeping forces, and search and rescue activities.

The publication of the 2009 White Paper on National Defence represents Vietnam’s desire and determination to promote mutual understanding between countries. 

It also lays a foundation for Vietnam to develop friendship, cooperation, and equality with other countries on the basis of maintaining mutual respect for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress, said the Vietnamese officer./.

(Vietnam Plus)