(VOVworld) -  Defense Minister Ngo Xuan Lich reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of attaching importance to its strategic partnership with France, considering it a foundation for cooperation opportunities in various fields including defense.

Mr. Lich made the remark at a reception in Hanoi on Monday for a French military delegation led by Minister of Defense Jean- Yves Le Drian.  

Minister Le Drian said Vietnam plays an increasingly important role in the international arena, particularly in the development of the ASEAN community.

The two ministers agreed to increase exchanges of delegations, make full use of the joint committee on bilateral defense cooperation to boost experience sharing, participate in the UN peace keeping force, train personnel, and army medical staff, conduct ocean and hydrography studies, and help France’s defense contractors access the Vietnamese market.