Philippine defence secretary Lorenzana pays visit to Việt Nam

Minister of National Defence General Ngô Xuân Lịch (right)receives Philippine Secretary of National Defence Delfin Lorenzana in Hà Nội on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Minister of National Defence General Ngô Xuân Lịch chaired a ceremony to welcome Philippine Secretary of National Defence Delfin Lorenzana in Hà Nội on Monday.

Following the ceremony, the two officials held talks to exchange views on the current situation in each country, as well as in the region and the world.

They also reviewed bilateral defence ties over the past few years. The two defence ministries signed an agreement in  二0 一0 and the countries elevated their relations to a strategic partnership in  二0 一 五.

The ministers said defence relations between Việt Nam and the Philippines have seen positive development in all realms, particularly in the exchange of delegations at all levels, dialogues, naval co-operation, training, information sharing, joint working groups and bilateral navy consultations.

They agreed to further promote bilateral defence ties in the future, emphasising the regular maintenance of exchanges and supporting each other’s initiatives at multilateral forums. 

The Philippine side pledged to support Việt Nam in its hosting of military-defence conferences and activities when Việt Nam takes over as chair of ASEAN in  二0 二0. The two sides decided to boost co-operation in key fields, such as exchanges among young officers, the defence industry, non-traditional security, the air force and military medicine. — VNS