Vietnam, India strengthen defence links

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence hosts Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma (L) (Photo:VNA)

Sen. Lieut. Gen. Giang hailed the development of defence cooperation between the two countries in recent years, stating that both sides have maintained visits and meetings of senior military leaders.

They have also effectively carried out annual cooperation mechanisms, while taking heed to boosting ties in border security, training, defence industry, UN peacekeeping operation, and strategic research, Giang noted

He also expressed Vietnam’s desire to continue fostering friendship and comprehensive cooperation for mutual benefit with India in a wide range of fields.

Vietnam will perform its role as ASEAN Chair in 2020, he said, adding that the Vietnamese Defence Ministry will host a series of military and defence meetings, including the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus (ADMM ).

He wished India would actively participate in and support Vietnam in this regard.

For his part, the Indian Ambassador agreed with the host’s proposal, while showing his impression on the country and people of Vietnam.

He also pledged his best efforts to further augment cooperation between Vietnam and India, including defence ties.