Defense Minister receives UK Ambassador to Vietnam

(Bqp.vn) - At the Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense on September 27, Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang hosted reception for UK Ambassadors to Vietnam Iain Frew.

General Phan Van Giang receiving UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew.

Speaking at the reception, General Phan Van Giang congratulated Ambassador Iain Frew on his new appointment as UK Ambassador to Vietnam and expressed his strong belief that the UK Ambassador will make positive contributions to promote the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership, including defense cooperation in the time to come.

At the reception.

General Phan Van Giang affirmed that over the past time, the bilateral defense cooperation has played an important role in the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership. Notably, the two sides have effectively maintained defense cooperation relations when the COVID-19 epidemic is controlled. Within the framework of the official visit of National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to the UK, the two defense ministries organized successfully the first session of the fourth Vietnam - U.K. Defense Policy Dialogue last June.

General Phan Van Giang presenting a souvenir to Ambassador Iain Frew.

General Phan Van Giang hoped that the two sides would continue to cooperate effectively in various fields, such as delegation exchange, training, peacekeeping activities, etc. He added that in the coming time, the two sides should prepare for the second session of the fourth Vietnam - UK Defense Policy Dialogue, which is scheduled to take place this year in Hanoi. General Phan Van Giang affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense will participate in activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnam - UK diplomatic ties in 2023.

All delegates in a joint photo.

For his part, Ambassador Iain Frew thanked the host for the reception and affirmed that he would try his best to strengthen the Vietnam - UK Strategic Partnership, including defense cooperation during his working term in Vietnam.