Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyễn Trường Thắng (right) meets with French Ambassador to Việt Nam Olivier Brochet in Hà Nội on Wednesday. — Photo qdnd.vn

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyễn Trường Thắng has expressed delight at new strides in Việt Nam – France ties, especially the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, saying that the move affirms the strong political will of both countries’ leaders to deepen future collaboration.

During a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for French Ambassador to Việt Nam Olivier Brochet, Thắng stressed that defence ties, a key pillar of bilateral relationship, have been growing substantively and effectively, with progress in the exchange of all-level delegations, especially those at high level, defence industry, training, and United Nations peacekeeping operations, consistent with agreements reached by leaders and the two defence ministries, plus signed cooperation documents.

Citing ample scope for stronger cooperation, Thắng urged both sides to stick to agreed-upon cooperation roadmaps and annual joint agendas, with a focus on high-level exchanges and contacts, signing of new cooperation agreements, and an expansion of training and maritime security. He said he expects Brochet to help push defence ties toward more concrete results.

Thắng took the occasion to thank France for its scholarships granted to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence in command and staff training, language studies, and short-term courses. He wished that France would continue these courses and consider granting university and postgraduate training quotas in areas of Việt Nam’s demand. He also invited France to continue sending military personnel to international defense officials’ courses and Vietnamese language training in the country.

The host separately invited leaders of the French Ministry of Armed Forces and defence industry firms to exhibit at the third Vietnam International Defence Expo, scheduled for Hà Nội this December.

Brochet, in reply, affirmed France’s desire to strengthen defence ties with Việt Nam in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the shared understanding of the two countries’ senior leaders, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

He also delivered an invitation to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to attend the Eurosatory land and air-land defence exhibition in France this June. — VNA/VNS