Vietnam, Australia hold fifth defence policy dialogue
Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Peter Tesch, Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry at Australia’s Department of Defence, co-chaired the two countries’ fifth defence policy dialogue on December 1.
Hanoi (VNA) - Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Peter Tesch, Deputy Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Industry at Australia’s Department of Defence, co-chaired the two countries’ fifth defence policy dialogue on December 1.
At the virtual event, the sides affirmed that the Vietnam - Australia strategic partnership, particularly defence collaboration, has been maintained and promoted over the past time, actively contributing to peace, stability and common development in the region and in the world.
Exchanging views on the global and regional situations and issues of mutual concern, they shared a common stance regarding the East Sea issue.
Both emphasised the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters, and of settling disputes at sea by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It is also necessary to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) as well as to speed up negotiations to soon achieve an efficient and effective code of conduct (COC) in the waters in line with international law, they added.
The two sides agreed to continue to maintain and foster the defence ties and approve a three-year bilateral defence cooperation plan for the 2022-2024 period. They stated that both countries are responsible members of the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM ) and regularly consult and support each other at regional forums.
Chien praised the Australian Department of Defence’s proposal of donating medical equipment and supplies for Vietnam. He hoped for further assistance from the nation for Vietnam regarding UN peacekeeping mission.
He stressed Vietnam supports the ASEAN-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership and is ready to effectively implement the outcomes of the second informal ASEAN-Australia Defence Ministers' Meeting on the basis of the bloc’s consensus.
Tesch informed that Australia has committed to helping Vietnam transport its level-2 field hospital to the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan in 2022 and to donating some equipment to improve the capacity of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
Earlier, Chien also received Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie./.
Minister of Public Security General To Lam suggested Vietnam and Australia enhance cooperation in all spheres, including national defence and security, at a reception for Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister for Women Marise Payne in Hanoi on November 9.
Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Australian counterpart Marise Payne co-chaired the annual third Vietnam – Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi on November 9.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Nguyen Tat Thanh paid a working visit to Victoria State to conduct activities to promote trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Australia.
The total import-export turnover between Vietnam and Australia reached a record of 14 billion AUD (10 billion USD) in the first 10 months of this year, an increase of 50 percent over the same period last year.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
At the event (Photo: dangcongsan.vn) 
