Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh

Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and Australian Vice Defense Secretary General Peter Tesch co-chaired the event. The two sides discussed regional and global issues of mutual concern, defense cooperation, and consultation with other parties when Vietnam becomes ASEAN Chair in 2020. The two sides praised the outcome of bilateral defense cooperation,noting how it contributes to the Vietnam-Australia Strategic Partnership. They agreed to strengthen dialogues, consultation, delegation exchange, and cooperation in education, UN peacekeeping missions, and maritime security. Australia pledged to help the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense to organize defense meetings within the framework of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting Plus, when Vietnam will hold the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020. Australia also wants Vietnam to support the organization of the ASEAN-Australia Informal Defense Ministerial Meeting. Vietnam supports Australia’s initiative and asks Australia to talk with other ASEAN countries to gain consensus on the issue.