(Bqp.vn) - Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang hosted a reception for newly-appointed Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano De Lasala in Hanoi on October 9.

At the reception.

At the reception, General Phan Van Giang expressed Vietnam’s appreciation for the cooperative relationship with Spain and wished to promote bilateral ties to a new height that matches cooperation potential. The Vietnam-Spain defence cooperation has seen steady progress in recent years in line with a relevant memorandum of understanding signed in 2010, especially in the exchange of delegations and training, defence industry, and the United Nations peacekeeping operations, he said.

Highlighting the vast potential to boost defence ties tailored to their respective needs and capabilities, General Phan Van Giang proposed increasing the exchange of all-level delegations and training, with an emphasis on the Spanish language.

General Phan Van Giang and Ambassador Carmen Cano De Lasala.

He also underscored the importance of stepping up collaboration in the UN peacekeeping operations, engaging in strategic exchanges, sharing experiences and assisting the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence in post-war recovery efforts, and working closely together at multilateral forums.

General Phan Van Giang presenting a souvenir to Ambassador De Lasala.

For her part, Ambassador De Lasala commended the Vietnam People’s Army for its disaster response capabilities. Regarding bilateral defence ties, she suggested continuing with close coordination, especially in training and the UN peacekeeping operations in the coming time.