The decision was reached during a meeting between the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi on January 31.

The two parties discussed ways of expanding their co-ordination to maintain national security and social order during 2007, which holds various political events, including the National Assembly election.

The meeting was co-chaired by Senior Lieutenant-General Nguyen Khanh Toan, Deputy Minister of Public Security, and Lieutenant-General Nguyen Khac Nghien, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Defence Minister.

The two ministries worked closely last year to map out plans for ensuring a safe environment for the 10^th National Party Congress and the 14^th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and festivals.

They have also worked together to cope with the aftermath of natural disasters and other forest fires.