(VOVworld)- French Defense Minister Jean Yves Le Drian has highlighted Vietnam’s increasing role in the international arena, especially in the development of ASEAN.

Vietnam, and France boost defense ties

At a reception for visiting Vietnamese Minister of Defense General Phung Quang Thanh on Friday, Minister Jean Yves Le Drian expressed his hope to boost multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, especially in national defense. General Phung Quang Thanh reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of respecting its ties with France. Thanh said the strategic partnership between two countries will create opportunities and prospects for further bilateral cooperation including defense cooperation. The two ministers agreed to increase delegation exchanges, strengthen the mechanism of the Joint Committee for National Defense and boost cooperation and experience sharing in training, military medicine, oceanology and meteorology study. They agreed to facilitate French defense companies to approach the Vietnamese market.