Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh hosted a reception in Hanoi on August 17 for Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force Timothy Keating, who affirmed that his country is willing to share its experience in taking part in UN peacekeeping missions with Vietnam. 

New Zealand will continue implementing the English language and skills training programme for Vietnamese officers, he stated. 

He appreciated the organisation of the two countries’ annual defence consultation while hoping for the early organisation of the first defence strategic dialogue at the deputy ministerial level. 

Deputy PM Minh confirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to its friendship, cooperation and comprehensive partnership with New Zealand, which has brought practical benefits to both countries’ people and development in the region. 

He asked the two sides to actively coordinate to fully and effectively realise agreements reached during Prime Minister Minister Nguyen Tan Dung’s official visit to New Zealand in March. 

He also said he is satisfied with activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties this year. 

For regional and international situations, both host and guest emphasised the importance of peace, stability and maritime security, safety and freedom for development and prosperity in the region.

Defence Minister receives New Zealand Defence Force Chief

Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh received Lieutenant General Tim Keating, Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force, on August 17 as Keating is leading a high-ranking defence delegation from New Zealand to visit Vietnam from August 15-20.

Over the past 40 years, Vietnam and New Zealand have enjoyed a growing comprehensive partnership that benefits both sides and contributes to peace, stability and development in the region, stated General Thanh.

Particularly, defence cooperation between the two countries has seen positive progress on the basis of the bilateral defence agreement, he said.

The minister said he believes Keating’s visit will contribute to fostering defence affiliations between the two countries.

For his part, Lieut. Gen. Keating said his visit aims to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the two armies and peoples.

Earlier the same day, Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty held talks with Lieut. Gen. Keating, during which both sides discussed regional and international issues together with matters of shared concern.

They outlined measures to bolster bilateral defence collaboration, including establishing an academic exchange mechanism among training and research facilities as well as sharing experiences in search and rescue, aviation safety, humanitarian aid and disaster relief.

VNA