The Deputy Minister of Defense, Nguyen Truong Thang (right), and the French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet. Photo: qdnd.vn
Deputy Defense Minister Nguyen Truong Thang welcomed recent progress in Franco-Vietnamese relations, particularly the elevation of bilateral relations to the rank of a comprehensive strategic partnership. According to him, this development testifies to the firm political will of the leaders of the two countries to deepen their cooperation in the times to come.
Receiving the French Ambassador to Vietnam, Olivier Brochet, on May 13 in Hanoi, Deputy Minister Nguyen Truong Thang underlined that cooperation in defense matters, an essential pillar of bilateral relations, had been strengthened in a substantial and effective manner, particularly in trade. of delegations at all levels, in the defense industry, training and participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. These results are in line with agreements reached by the leaders and defense ministries of the two countries, as well as signed cooperation documents.
Highlighting the strong development potential of this cooperation, the Deputy Minister proposed that the two parties continue, in the times to come, to effectively implement the cooperation guidelines and annual cooperation programs, with emphasis on several key areas: strengthening exchanges and contacts at all levels, particularly high-level, signing cooperation documents, training and maritime security He also hoped that Ambassador Olivier Brochet would continue to support the development of increasingly effective and substantial defense cooperation between the two countries.
Nguyen Truong Thang took the opportunity to thank France for the scholarships granted to the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense for the training of officers and staff, language studies and short-term training. He hoped that France would continue these programs and consider granting university and postgraduate training places in the areas that Vietnam needs. He also invited France to continue sending military personnel to international training for defense officers as well as Vietnamese language courses in Vietnam.
Furthermore, the vice-minister invited the leaders of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and French companies in the defense sector to participate in the third Vietnam International Defense Expo (Vietnam International Defense Expo 2026), scheduled for Hanoi in next December.
In response, Ambassador Olivier Brochet reaffirmed France’s desire to strengthen defense cooperation with Vietnam, in line with the comprehensive strategic partnership and the common vision of the leaders of the two countries, thus contributing to peace, stability and development in the world.
Ambassador Olivier Brochet presented an invitation to the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense to participate in the Eurosatory World Defense and Security Exhibition, scheduled to take place in France next June. -VNA/VI
