Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh (R) and Stephen Moore, Assistant Secretary Global Interests at the Australian Department of Defence in Hanoi, August 14, 2018. (Photo: VNA)

At a reception in Hanoi on Tuesday for Stephen Moore, Assistant Secretary Global Interests at the Australian Department of Defence, Mr. Vinh said the consultation will also help the two sides optimise the role of their consultation and dialogue mechanisms at different levels, firstly looking at the diplomatic-defence strategic dialogue and defence policy dialogue, to be held in October this year. Mr. Vinh said that the Vietnam Ministry of Defence considers Australia a key partner, which has supported the country in building its peacekeeping training centre.

Mr. Moore said topics concerning collaboration between military corps, peacekeeping missions, cyber security, and alleviation of war aftermath in Vietnam, will be discussed at the defence cooperation consultation. He stated Australia values ties with Vietnam and is working with Vietnam to identify suitable areas for bilateral defence cooperation.