General Secretary and President To Lam's visit is an important political event that will provide strong momentum for deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and pave the way for development of bilateral relations, said General Giang.
He said he wishes to work with the Australian Department of Defense to realize the shared understanding reached by Vietnam and Australia's senior leaders on defense cooperation; strengthen friendship, trust and substantive cooperation between the two defense ministries and armed forces. The two sides should further advance their defense cooperation in a manner commensurate with the Vietnam–Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.
For his part, Deputy PM Marles said he is ready to work with General Giang and Vietnam's Ministry of National Defense to strengthen and improve the effectiveness of bilateral defense cooperation. This, he said, would contribute to sustainably developing the Vietnam-Australia relations, based on mutual respect and in the interests of both nations, peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.
The two sides also exchanged views on developments around the world and issues of mutual concern. At the conclusion of the talks, they signed an updated Joint Vision Statement on promoting defense cooperation. During General Phan Van Giang’s visit to Australia, three cooperation documents regarding search and rescue, border guard operations, and coast guard activities were exchanged.
