Vietnam, France Consider Setting Strategic Defense Dialogue Mechanism
Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Ngo Xuan Lich and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian agreed to effectively enhance cooperation and consider establishing a strategic defense dialogue mechanism in an effort to enhance their mutual understanding and trust and promote their defense ties during talks between in Ha Noi on June 6.
The two ministers agreed to beef up collaboration in traditional areas and increase the exchange of experience in joining UN peace-keeping operations, as well as in ensuring navigation and aviation safety.
They consented to facilitate the operation of French businesses specializing in defense industry in Viet Nam, particularly in areas of France’s strengths and Viet Nam’s demands.
The Vietnamese Minister said Jean-Yves Le Drian’s Viet Nam visit will contribute to boosting the strategic partnership between the two countries and their defense ties in particular, for the interest of their people.
Hailing France’s role and position in Europe and the world, the minister said Viet Nam attaches importance to its relations with France and stands ready to bridge the country and ASEAN.
For his part, Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke highly of Viet Nam’s increasingly important role and position in the world arena, especially in ASEAN.
He referred to France’s message delivered at the freshly-finished 15th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, which emphasizes the importance of observing international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and increasing dialogues and exchanges to address disputes.
He confirmed that France and the EU will promptly take more measures to contribute to maritime security and safety and innocent passage in the East Sea in accordance with international law, he said.
VGP
Vietnamese
