During the conversation, General Lich congratulated the Chinese people on successfully controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. He also thanked General Fenghe and the Chinese Ministry of National Defense for sharing experience and information and supporting other countries in the fight against the disease.
In Vietnam, the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) has always served as the core force in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Up to now, Vietnam has kept the disease under control, continued to curb the spread of COVID-19 outbreak, and ensured people's health.
General Lich also thanked the Chinese Ministry of National Defense for providing high quality medical equipment for Vietnam while the country is still gathering resources to respond to the COVID-19.
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Defense Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich |
"The cooperation results in the COVID-19 prevention and control between the two militaries will be a highlight in bilateral relations in the year marking the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-China diplomatic ties," he stressed.
Senior Lieutenant General Wei Fenghe highly appreciated Vietnam's results in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and thanked the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense for providing medical supplies to China in these difficult times. He also valued the considerateness of the Vietnamese Defense Minister.
He affirmed that China is ready to cooperate with Vietnam in preventing and controlling the disease, and to share its experiences in COVID-19 treatment and research.
The two sides agreed to strengthen the border management and protection work during the pandemic; control and contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic at border gates and open trails; and control people crossing the borderline.
They also pledged to promptly update each other with any new COVID-19 information, prevent the outbreak of the disease, ensure normal cross-border trade, and promote economic development between the two countries.
Highly appreciating Vietnam’s work as ASEAN Chair and for successfully organizing the Special ASEAN Summit on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), General Wei Fenghe hoped that Vietnam will act as a bridge to strengthen cooperation between China and ASEAN members in the coming time.
As ADMM and ADMM+ Chairman, General Lich affirmed that Vietnam will support China's cooperation proposals with ASEAN on the basis of respecting the principle of ASEAN consensus.
Regarding bilateral defense cooperation, the two ministers emphasized that despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides will be determined to fully implement cooperative activities in accordance with the previous agreement. Accordingly, the medical military forces of the two countries will hold an online conference to exchange their experience in COVID-19 prevention and disease treatment.
The East Sea (South China Sea) issue has attracted great attention of the two countries. However, due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, both sides should enhance exchanges, and maintain peace and stability in the region.
Notably, Vietnam is ready to resolve disputes and disagreements by peaceful means, on the basis of mutual respect and benefits and in accordance with international law. It is also ready to work with China to build the East Sea as a region of peace, stability and development, for the common interests of the region and the international community.
The two ministers also emphasized the importance of the friendship between the two militaries and peoples, and expressed their hope to further promote the Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
Translated by Lam Anh