Vietnam and the UK on Thursday in London signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation of national defence between the two countries. The document says areas of cooperation include increasing the exchange of high-level delegations and personnel for training in the field of national denfence and setting up a joint working group on conducting research on defence strategy and military technique.

Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and his British counterpart Lord Astor

In an interview with Vietnam News Agency, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh said the Vietnam-UK MoU marks a milestone in bilateral defence relations, guiding the development path of this relationship in the near future. After the signing ceremony, both sides agreed to establish a joint working group to accelerate the implementation of the MoU.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Defence Vinh and his British counterpart Lord Astor met to discuss measures to enhance bilateral cooperation in national defence, which is based on the newly established strategic partnership between the two countries. They also mentioned regional and international security issues. The British side spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in the region and hoped for Vietnam’s continued contributions to peace, stability and development.