Vietnam and Slovakia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral defence cooperation following talks between Minister of Defence General Phung Quang Thanh and his counterpart Martin Glvac in Hanoi on June 9.

The MoU helps create a legal foundation for the two countries to elevate their defence ties for peace, stability and security in the region and beyond.

Minister Thanh thanked Slovakia for its valuable assistance to Vietnam’s national liberation and development cause.

The two ministers discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern and put forth measures to bolster Vietnam-Slovakia defence relations in the coming time.

Both nations will focus on promoting all-level delegation exchanges, personnel training and sharing experience in United Nations’ peace-keeping missions.

During his official visit to Vietnam from June 8-14, Minister Martin Glvac will meet with State President Truong Tan Sang and chair an exchange programme between Slovak defence businesses and the Vietnam-Slovakia Friendship Association.

He is also scheduled to visit units of the Vietnam People’s Army.

VN President meets with Slovakian Defence Minister

President Truong Tan Sang hosted a meeting in Hanoi on June 9 for Slovakian Defence Minister Martin Glvac during his working visit to Vietnam.

The State leader considered the visit, taking place amid the 65 th founding anniversary of bilateral relations, critical to elevating the two countries’ ties to a new level.

Vietnam appreciates the material and spiritual assistance received from the former Czechoslovakia and current Slovakia over time, he said.

He noted his country wishes to increase the exchange of high-ranking delegations and bilateral trade beyond the current 400 million USD, adding that Vietnam is willing to act as a bridge for Slovakian goods to enter ASEAN markets.

The President spoke highly of the outcomes of talks between the Vietnamese and Slovakian Defence Ministers, asking both sides to realise agreements as soon as possible.

For his part, Minister Glvac said the countries share a number of similarities in defence and room remains for them to promote security and defence cooperation in personnel training and military industry.

He also asked President Truong Tan Sang, as the State leader of Vietnam, to further support the development of the defence partnership.

VNA