UK Defence Under Secretary of State Lord Astor of Hever began a five-day visit to Vietnam on January 26 at the invitation of Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh.

He will hold talks with Vinh and pay a courtesy visit to Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh on defence cooperation between the two countries.

Lord Astor and Vinh will witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on hydrographic cooperation between the UK Hydrographic Office and the Vietnamese Navy.

The UK defence official will visit a number of Vietnamese military zones and training establishments.

“Vietnam is an increasingly important actor on the international stage and the UK welcomes the closer ties that we are developing with this region of the world,” Lord Astor told the press prior to his visit.

He revealed that he will open a defence industry forum to improve understanding about how UK companies might apply their experience and expertise to assist Vietnam in addressing its future defence requirements.

Earlier this month, Rolls Royce signed a contract to supply stabilisers to the Vietnamese Navy, which sends a strong signal about Vietnam’s potential.

“I hope that the trade mission accompanying my visit will help other UK companies to explore emerging opportunities in this exciting market,” he said.

Lord Astor will also visit the British Council in Hanoi where he will open the second phase of an intensive programme of English language training to support peacekeeping for the Institute of Defence and International Relations.  The training, which is funded by the UK Ministry of Defence, is part of a wider package of defence related support agreed following the signing of the MoU on defence in November 2011.

Vietnam and the UK established the strategic partnership and signed the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation.

VNA