PM meets with Australian Defence Minister

PM Nguyen Tan Dung (R) and Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith, Ha Noi, August 29, 2012 – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

PM Dung hailed results of the freshly finished talks between Defense Minister Stephen Smith and his Vietnamese counterpart Phung Quang Thanh and close defence coordination over the past time.

Comprehensive ties between Viet Nam and Australia have been flourishing, with the two sides always supporting each other at international and regional forums, said PM Dung.

He said he hopes that the two countries would continue lifting bilateral relations to new heights in favor of regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

The Government chief proposed the two sides jointly cooperate in preparing the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2013 and positively realizing the signed agreements.

Minister Stephen Smith said that the military ties between Viet Nam and Australia have been effective, especially in peace-keeping activities, special missions and language training.

He affirmed that the Austrialan Ministry of National Defence would work with the Vietnamese side to fulfill the cooperative agreements in an effective and positive manner and contribute to strengthening the bilateral ties./.

By Kim Anh