An overview of the third Vietnam-France defence strategy and cooperation dialogue (Photo: VNA)

The two heads of delegations agreed that since the second dialogue in April 2022, bilateral defense cooperation has been continuously consolidated and strengthened in a practical, effective direction consistent with signed cooperation documents and agreements, especially the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-France defense cooperation for the 2018-2028 period and the Framework Agreement on Vietnam-France defense cooperation.

Sen. Lieut. Gen Chien said Vietnam consistently follows the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, multilateralization and diversification of ties, and the defense policy of "four nos".

He stressed Vietnam's consistent stance of addressing disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The head of the French delegation affirmed that the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and France is a typical example in foreign relations between countries around the world. She said that France wishes to continue close, sustainable cooperation as a reliable and effective partner of Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The two sides agreed to continue to promote defense cooperation in a practical and effective manner, focusing on increasing exchanges and contacts at all levels, promoting the effectiveness of the strategic dialogue mechanism and cooperation in defense and UN peacekeeping, studying the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and training, and strengthening military medical cooperation and collaboration in maritime security, cyber-security, anti-terrorism, and overcoming post-war consequences.

At the dialogue, the two sides also shared their views on the global and regional situations of shared concern, highly valued the role of the region and ASEAN-led mechanisms.