Ample room for Vietnam - New Zealand defense cooperation

Gen. Tan (R) receiving Rear Admiral James Gilmour

At the meeting, Gen. Tan underscored achievements in the Vietnam - New Zealand strategic partnership in many fields. Especially, the bilateral defense cooperation has been effectively boosted on the basis of the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation signed in 2013 with fruitful outcomes in fields of delegation exchange, consultation, training, U.N. peacekeeping operations. Meanwhile, the two militaries also actively participated in multilateral cooperation mechanisms, including the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

Gen. Tan spoke highly of the results of meetings between the two sides during the New Zealand delegation’s visit to Vietnam. Accordingly, they discussed some issues of mutual concern, including exchange, dialogue, training and U.N. peacekeeping. He affirmed that the Vietnam People’s Army is willing to boost cooperation in agreed fields, for the interests and according to the capabilities of each side, contributing to the Vietnam - New Zealand strategic partnership, thereby promoting cooperation for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

An overview of the reception

Both sides handing over souvenirs to each other

For his part, Rear Admiral James Gilmour expressed his delight at the visit to Vietnam and the warm reception from the Vietnamese side. The visit aimed to boost cooperation and exchange about issues of mutual concern, proving New Zealand’s respect to international partners in the region, including Vietnam.

Affirming that both sides have actively implemented cooperation contents according to the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation signed in 2013, he hoped that the two sides would have more opportunities to better cooperate in the time ahead.

Delegates in a group photo

“Vietnam and New Zealand’s participation in the U.N. peacekeeping operations proved that they are responsible countries towards the international community,” he went on. There remains ample room for cooperation within the framework of the initiative of Women, Peace and Security approach to increase the role of women in U.N. peacekeeping operations, as well as other fields, to realize commitments in the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation signed in 2013.

Translated by Minh Anh