The event took place amid the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations (1973-2023) and the 25th anniversary of the defense cooperation program between the two countries (1998-2023).
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Australia's Deputy Head of Mission in Vietnam Mark Tattersall speaking at the gathering |
Since its inception in 2005, this event has become an annual gathering for friends and colleagues from both nations to reminisce about memorable moments, and express gratitude to the officials, lecturers, and students who have contributed to the Vietnam-Australia defense cooperation, particularly in the field of training.
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Senior Colonel Nguyen Duy Minh, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of National Defense, delivering a speech at the event |
Speaking at the event, Australia's Deputy Head of Mission in Vietnam Mark Tattersall shared that 25 years ago, the cooperation training program between the Vietnamese and Australian defense agencies commenced with an English military training course for 17 Vietnamese students.
After years of implementing collaboration in training, nearly 3,500 officers and personnel from the Vietnam People's Army have completed various courses under the joint training program between the two defense ministries. The program's scope has expanded across multiple fields, including teaching, defense strategic research, international relations, aviation technology, and cybersecurity.
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Delegates attending the even |
In any field, students from the Vietnam People's Army consistently demonstrate outstanding learning and research capabilities. This serves as a solid foundation in advancing the substantial and effective development of bilateral defense cooperation, fostering ties between the armed forces and peoples of both countries.
According to Senior Colonel Nguyen Duy Minh, Deputy Head of the Department of Foreign Relations at the Ministry of National Defense, the Vietnam-Australia defense cooperation over time has aligned with the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation in 2010, the Common Vision Statement for Promoting Defense Cooperation in 2018, and has achieved positive outcomes in various areas such as delegation exchange, consultations-dialogues, training, U.N. peacekeeping operations, information sharing, experience exchange among military units, and post-war consequences mitigation. Notably, the training cooperation has been a robust cornerstone for both defense ministries to expand and deepen the traditional friendly relationship.
On this occasion, Senior Colonel Nguyen Duy Minh conveyed gratitude to the generations of officials, lecturers, and students from both countries who have devoted their efforts, dedication, and expertise, contributing to nurturing a sustainable, substantial, and effective Vietnam-Australia defense cooperation for the benefit of each nation, regional peace, stability, and mutual development worldwide.
Translated by Trung Thanh