Defense external relations contribute to successful implementation of foreign policy

Defense Minister, General Ngo Xuan Lich addressing the meeting

At the conference, participants listened to a report prepared by the Foreign Relations Department under the Ministry of National Defense, discussed noticeable achievements and drew lessons from practical defense external activities over the past years. They also seriously discussed shortcomings in the implementation of the defense external activities in the period and proposed detailed measures to better implement the mission in the 2018-2020 period.

The conference underscored that the 2015-2018 period saw vigorous developments in defense external relations and international integration. The defense external relations service has substantially contributed to safeguarding national sovereignty and territory, and helped enhance defense power of the nation, contributing significantly to heightening the position and prestige of Vietnam and the Vietnam People’s Army in the international arena.

In the coming time, participants at the conference agreed that the work should be implemented strictly in line with the foreign policy of the Party, State, with a focus on bilateral defense external relations with key partners. Vietnam should proactively take part in defense cooperation mechanisms within ASEAN and led by ASEAN and actively participate in UN peacekeeping operations, and more. A number of opinions raised at the conference also stressed that more attention should be paid to the building of a contingent of capable and professional cadres and agencies in charge of defense foreign relations work.

Certificates of merit presented to units

Addressing the conference, Defense Minister, General Ngo Xuan Lich highly appreciated the efforts and high responsibility of military agencies and units in carrying out the work. He affirmed that and defense external and international integration activities in the 2015-2018 period have been effectively carried out, making important changes in all aspects.

The activities played an important role in fostering solidarity, friendship and confidence between Vietnam and other countries, contributing actively to the socio-economic development of localities and the country as a whole, maintaining an environment of peace and stability while helping heighten the role and position of Vietnam and the Vietnam People’s Army in the current period.

At the conference, certificates of merit were presented to units and agencies with outstanding achievements in carrying defense external and international integration activities in the 2015-2018 period, including the People’s Army Newspaper.

Translated by Huu Duong