Defense Minister holds talks with Canadian counterpart

General Ngo Xuan Lich (R) and his Canadian counterpart Harjit Singh Sajjan

At the talks, the two sides exchanged notes on the world and regional issues of common concern, reviewed the recent results of the bilateral defense cooperation and agreed to boost cooperation in the coming time focusing on a number of potential fields, such as personnel training, UN peacekeeping operations, maritime security, defense industry, and military medicine. The Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam appreciates the continued supports in personnel training and UN peacekeeping operations from Canada for Vietnam.

Concluding the talks, the two ministers signed the Canadian Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Military Training and Cooperation Program (MTCP). The signing of the MoU offering Vietnam more chances for military training in Canada. This is one of the important developments in the bilateral defense ties, facilitating the two sides to further promote other defense cooperation in other potential areas.

At the talks

At a meeting with the press after the talks, the Canadian Minister held that there remain defense areas in which Vietnam and Canada may boost cooperation. He placed special stress on cooperation and experience sharing in the field of UN peacekeeping operations, saying that this is just the beginning and the two sides will continue to find opportunities for more cooperation.

The visit of Canadian Defense Minister Harjit Singh Sajjan to Vietnam is significant in promoting the friendly relationship between the two governments, militaries and people. It also helps the bilateral relationship develop effectively in both scope and scale, in line with the Vietnam-Canada comprehensive partnership, and in so doing, meaningfully and substantially contributing to the celebration of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam-Canada diplomatic relations.

Translated by Huu Duong