Vietnam, France eye strategic defence dialogue mechanism
Vietnam and France will consider establishing a strategic defence dialogue mechanism in an effort to enhance their mutual understanding and trust, and promote their defence ties.
Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich (L) and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian inspect the guard of honour (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and France wiꩲll consider establishing a strategic defence dialogue mechanism in an effort to enhance their mutual understanding and trust, and promote their defence ties.
This was noted during talks between Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Hanoi on June 6.
The two ministers agreed to beef up collaboration in traditional areas and increase the exchange of experience in joining UN peace-keeping operations, as well as in ensuring navigation and aviation safety.
They consented to facilitate the operation of French businesses specialising in defence industry in Vietnam, particularly in areas of France’s strengths and Vietnam’s demands.
Lich said Jean-Yves Le Drian’s Vietnam visit will contribute to boosting the strategic partnership between the two countries and their defence ties in particular, for the interest of their people.
Hailing France’s role and position in Europe and the world, the minister said Vietnam attaches importance to its relations with France and stands ready to bridge the country and ASEAN.
For his part, Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke highly of Vietnam’s increasingly important role and position in the world arena, especially in ASEAN.
He reiterated France’s message delivered at the recent 15th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, which emphasises the importance of observing international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and increasing dialogues and exchanges to address disputes.
France, together with the EU, will promptly take more measures to contribute to maritime security and safety and innocent passage in the East Sea in accordance with international law, he said.
The French minister is on an official visit to Vietnam from June 5-7.-VNA
Vietnam and France have agreed to enhance defence cooperation, particularly in delegation exchanges, training, defence industry, and maritime security.
The 13th annual Shangri La Dialogue closed in Singapore on June 1 after three days, with a majority present voicing concern over the ongoing tensions in the East Sea after China illegal dispatched its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou – 981 in Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone in early May.
The France-Vietnam Friendship Association has hosted a workshop on Vietnam, during which participants applauded the country’s stable economic growth and successful international integration policies.
Minister of Defence General Phung Quang Thanh met with his French counterpart Jean- Yves Le Drian in Paris on June 19 during the Vietnamese Defence Ministry delegation’s working trip in Europe.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich (L) and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian inspect the guard of honour (Source: VNA)
