Vietnam, DPRK foster defence cooperation

(Bqp.vn) - The official visit of General Pak Yong Sik, Minister of National Defence of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) to Vietnam will contribute to strengthening the relationship and mutual understanding between the Parties, States and armies of Vietnam and DPRK.

General Phung Quang Thanh, Vietnamese Minister of National Defence, made this statement at the talks with his DPRK counterpart on November 27th at the Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence, during the mission’s official visit to Vietnam from November 25th to 28th.

General Phung Quang Thanh and General Pak Yong Sik reviewing guards of honor of the Vietnam People’s Army.

Previously, General Phung Quang Thanh hosted a reception for the DPRK senior officers.

At the talks, the Vietnamese general underlined that General Pak Yong Sik’s visit took place at a time when the two countries celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties, and affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the bilateral traditional relationship founded and cultivated by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Kim Il-sung.

He also held that Vietnam and DPRK should reinforce and develop their cooperation in various fields in accordance with each side’s potential and conditions.

The two sides at the talks.

In turn, the guest congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and stressed that DPRK would continue maintaining the traditional friendship, including defence cooperation, with Vietnam in the time to come.

In the open and frank atmosphere, the two sides exchanged some international and regional issues of common concern, as well as suggested measures to foster their relations for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation and the development of each side and in the region as well.

They voiced pleasure at the two countries’ past defence cooperation results, particularly in delegation exchanges, education and training, and collaboration in museum development, while agreeing to further heighten their defence relationship.

During the visit to Vietnam, General Pak Yong Sik also paid floral tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, toured the Presidential Palace, and visited some units of the Vietnam People’s Army in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.