(VOVworld) – On Tuesday, Defense Minister General Phung Quang Thanh received South African Secretary for Defense and Military Veterans Sam Makhudu Gulube, in Vietnam for the first defense policy dialogue between the two countries.

Mr. Thanh praised South Africa’s role in assuring peace and stability in the region. He called the visit by the South African delegation an important step to boost multi-faceted cooperation between Vietnam and South Africa, especially in national defense. Mr. Gulube stressed the great potential for defense cooperation between the two sides. He said South Africa hopes to share experience with Vietnam  in ensuring maritime safety.