Defence leader receives US official

Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh hosted a reception for Counsellor of the United States Department of the State Thomas Shannon in Hanoi on February 5.

Deputy Minister of Defence Nguyen Chi Vinh and Counsellor of the United States Department of the State Thomas Shannon

Speaking at the reception, the Deputy Minister expressed his delight with the development of the Vietnam-US relations and co-operation in recent years.

Senior Lieutenant General Vinh welcomed the US’s move to partially lift the arms embargo against Vietnam and wished for it to be completely lifted in the near future.

He also spoke of recent progresses in bilateral cooperation regarding maritime security, wartime consequence settlement, military medicine, training, search and rescue, humanitarian aid and United Nations peacekeeping activities.

Furthermore, the Vietnamese officer believed Shannon would play a role in organising activities celebrating the 20th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties, further strengthening the bilateral relationship.

On his part, Shannon thanked the host for the warm welcome, affirming that 2015 will be a big year for both countries to further their relations.

The US wished for closer defence co-operation with Vietnam, notably in visit exchanges, dealing with war aftermath, army healthcare, training, search and rescue, humanitarian aid and United Nations peacekeeping.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)