Defence official receives US admiral

HAI PHONG — Deputy Minister of Defence Admiral Nguyen Van Hien, who is also the Viet Nam People's Navy Commander received Admiral Cecil D. Haney, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, yesterday.

Welcoming the American commander, Hien reviewed recent co-operation between Viet Nam and the US, especially in the field of defence.

He said the increasing defence co-operation between the two countries' naval commands in recent time was in accord with the development of ties between the two nations.

He spoke highly of the effective activities carried out by both countries' naval forces since they set up an annual bilateral exchange, and expressed his hope that Haney in his post would make more contributions to driving defence ties between the two countries to a more intensive level for peace, friendship and mutual respect.

During his stay in Viet Nam, Haney is scheduled to pay courtesy visits to leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the People's Committee of the central province of Nghe An.

He will also make a fact-finding visit to the Pacific Partnership 2012 Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Project in Nghe An Province, which is financed by the US Pacific Navy. — VNS