At the reception, the Vietnamese deputy defense minister expressed delight at the new development in Vietnam - France relations, particularly the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, describing it as a demonstration of the strong political commitment of both countries’ leaders to further deepen cooperation in the coming years.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang (right) receives French Ambassador Olivier Brochet. |
He noted that defense cooperation remains one of the key pillars of the Vietnam - France relationship and has continued to develop in a practical and effective manner in line with contents reached by senior leaders and the two defense ministries and signed agreements. Major areas of cooperation include high-level delegation exchanges, defense industry cooperation, training, and United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Highlighting the significant potential for further cooperation, General Thang called on both sides to continue implementing agreed cooperation orientations and annual programs, with priority given to expanding exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level contacts, promoting training cooperation, signing additional cooperation documents, and strengthening maritime security cooperation.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang and Ambassador Olivier Brochet at the reception |
He also thanked France for providing scholarships and training opportunities for personnel from Vietnam’s MND, including command and staff training, language studies, and short-term courses. He expressed hope that France would continue these programs and consider offering undergraduate and postgraduate training opportunities in fields needed by Vietnam. At the same time, he invited France to continue sending military personnel to attend international defense officials’ courses and Vietnamese language programs in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese defense leader also invited leaders of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and French defense companies to attend and exhibit products at the 3rd Vietnam Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in Hanoi in December 2026.
For his part, Ambassador Olivier Brochet thanked the Vietnamese defense leader for the meeting and affirmed France’s desire to further promote defense cooperation with Vietnam in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the shared understanding of senior leaders from both countries, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond.
During the meeting, Ambassador Olivier Brochet also presented an invitation for Vietnam’s MND to attend the Eurosatory defense and security exhibition in France, expected to be held this June.
Translated by Tran Hoai