VietNamNet Bridge – Minister of National Defence General Phung Quang Thanh hosted welcome ceremonies for the Indian and the Republic of Korea (RoK) Defence Ministers in Hanoi on October 13.

Cooperation in ADMM+ must be led by ASEAN

Photo: VNA

At a reception for the Indian military delegation, Mr Thanh praised their visit to Vietnam which, he said, has contributed to the success of the first ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+). He also expressed his hope that the visit would help promote mutual understanding as well as fine friendship between the two armies.

Indian Defence Minister A.K.Antony congratulated Vietnam on its successful organisation of the ADMM+ and thanked Mr Thanh and Vietnamese military staff for their warm welcome given to his delegation.

The two sides agreed to implement a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation towards the goal of peace, stability and development in the region.

They also consented to promote exchange visits by military delegations, personnel training and to share experience in search and rescue operations and other issues of common concern.

At a meeting with RoK Defence Minister Kim Tea-Young, Mr Thanh applauded his visit to Vietnam, especially his delegation’s contributions to the ADMM+, which has created an open forum aimed at enhancing defence cooperation between ASEAN and its dialogue partners.

The two defence chiefs agreed to further promote bilateral cooperation in national defence, which will give fresh impetus to developing a mechanism for multilateral defence cooperation, including the ADMM.

On the occasion, Vietnam and the RoK signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation which will serve as a legal foundation for both sides to implement national defence projects for a strong defence force capable of ensuring security and peace for each country and the region in general.

 

VietNamNet/VOV