(VOVworld) - Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence and the US Defence Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Washington on Tuesday regarding UN peacekeeping.

Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh and David Shear, Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs sign MoU on UN peacekeeping. (Photo: Nhat Quynh)

The MoU promotes bilateral defence ties within peacekeeping activities organised by the UN such as sharing experience and skills in carrying out UN missions.

The document also promotes building capacity in training for missions, delivering equipment to peacekeeping forces, building a Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre, and improving English language competency.

Addressing the event, Deputy Defence Minister Nguyen Chi Vinh said the signing of the MoU brings the Vietnam-US defence relationship to a new height with both countries pledging their commitment to being responsible UN members.

Senior lieutenant-general Vinh also met with Tim Rieser, an aide to Senator Patrick Leahy, to discuss dealing with post-war consequences, with Herve Ladsuos, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, to discuss preparations for a level-2 field hospital and engineer company taking part in UN peacekeeping; and with the leader of the UN Mine Action Agency.