Defense Minister receives Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam

(Bqp.vn) - Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang hosted a reception for Ambassador Julien Guerrier, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Vietnam in Hanoi on November 21.

General Phan Van Giang receiving Ambassador Julien Guerrier.

Addressing the reception, General Phan Van Giang emphasized that the Vietnam - EU relationship has developed well in recent times, and high level leaders from both sides have always been interested in promoting the Vietnam - EU relationship, including defense cooperation. He highly appreciated the achieved results in defense cooperation between the two sides, which are in line with the framework of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) and the Framework Participation Agreement (FPA) for Vietnam’s participation in EU crisis management activities.

At the reception.

Based on the signed documents and the results of cooperation thus far, General Phan Van Giang proposed that both sides continue to enhance defense cooperation, focusing on exchanges at all levels and maintaining an effective mechanism for defense and security dialogue, as well as addressing the post-war consequences. Regarding cooperation in UN peacekeeping, General Phan Van Giang expressed his hope that the EU would continue to promote this cooperation by sending experts to Vietnam to share experiences and train Vietnamese soldiers in preparation for their duties, particularly at EU Missions.

General Phan Van Giang presenting a souvenir to Ambassador Julien Guerrier.

General Phan Van Giang also hoped that Ambassador Julien Guerrier would make positive contributions to promoting the Vietnam - EU relationship in general and defense cooperation between the two sides in particular, for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation, and common development in the region and the world.

All delegates in a joint photo.

For his part, Ambassador Julien Guerrier thanked the host for the warm reception; emphasizing that the EU always highly appreciates the progress made in the EU - Vietnam relationship across various fields, including defense cooperation. The ambassador also praised the mechanism of defense and security dialogue between the two sides, as well as Vietnam’s efforts in participating in UN peacekeeping operations. He hoped that the two sides would continue promoting defense cooperation, focusing on exchange of delegation, training, experience sharing, and UN peacekeeping in the coming time.