Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith has spoken highly of the
visit by a senior delegation of the Vietnamese military headed by
Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh.

The visit was a
milestone in the relations between the two countries in general and the
two armies in particular, Smith told the Vietnamese guests at a meeting
in Canberra on March 19.

He affirmed that
Australia will continue cooperation with the Vietnamese army in the
coming time, especially in the field of training.

The country also supports Vietnam’s viewpoint that disputes must be
resolved by peaceful measures in line with international law, Smith
added.

He said Australia welcomes Vietnam’s
initiative to set up a group of experts under the framework of ASEAN
Defence Ministerial Meeting Plus (ADMM+), to deal with consequences of
mine and bombs left by wars.

Thanh said Vietnam
attaches importance to developing the comprehensive relations with
Australia, including defence ties.

He suggested
the two sides increase naval cooperation and work together in after-war
mine and bomb clearance in the coming time.

The minister also asked Australia to back Vietnam’s bid to join the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO).

The same day, Thanh paid a courtesy visit to Australian Governor
General Quentin Bryce and called at the Defence Force Academy
and the Fleet Command.

On March 20, the delegation left for an official friendship visit to New Zealand. -VNA