Vietnam and France have agreed upon various measures to deepen their defence ties, bringing them up to date with modern requirements.

The consensus was reached during the first Vietnam-France Defence Policy Dialogue in Paris held during the Vietnam defence delegation’s working visit from November 7-11.

The two sides agreed that on the basis of the agreement on defence cooperation signed in November 2009, defence affiliation has made strides, particularly in joining UN peacekeeping operations and maritime security.

However, the outcomes have yet to match potential, they said, agreeing to sign the Vietnam-France joint vision on defence cooperation and the agreement on mutual exchange and protection of confidential information soon.

They will also increase meetings, delegation exchanges, defence policy dialogues, and support each other at defence and security mechanisms and multilateral forums.

The two sides will also join hands in training, military medicine, hydrography, defence equipment and technologies, visits by military ships and UN peacekeeping.

They agreed to consider expanding their partnership in other areas like ensuring maritime and aviation security and safety, and tackling non-traditional security issues.

They shared the view on the complicated development of regional and international situations that requires joint efforts from all countries.

Disputes should be handled by peaceful measures in line with international law, they said.

The French spoke highly of the role played by Vietnam in the region and wished to step up defence ties with the country to contribute to peace, stability and development.

Philippe Errera, Director-General for International Relations and Strategy of the French Defence Ministry, lauded Vietnam’s participation in the Ministerial Conference on Peacekeeping in the Francophone Area held by his ministry in Paris from October 26-27, describing this as a part of the country’s constructive contributions to the international community.

Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Chi Vinh, who led the Vietnamese delegation to the dialogue, said this event took place at an important time following the State visit to Vietnam by President Francois Hollande last September.

During the visit, the two countries’ leaders discussed the bilateral strategic partnership and measures to develop the relationship in a more effective fashion, the officer noted.

The dialogue also mirrors increasing mutual political trust, which is the foundation for a more extensive relationship, he said.

Vietnam is ready to connect France with other countries in the region, especially ASEAN members, Vinh promised.

At the end of the dialogue, the heads of the two delegations witnessed the signing of a technical agreement on cooperation in military medicine and a similar pact on collaboration in peacekeeping between the two defence ministries .-VNA