Vietnamese Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and Australian Defense Minister Peter Dutton held online talks on Monday, during which they agreed to further the bilateral defense ties.

The two sides will work to maintain consultation and dialogue mechanisms, share experience, and deal with war consequences, while expanding collaboration in defense industry and cyber security.

Minister Giang said that despite COVID-19, Vietnam and Australia have enhanced their strategic partnership and the defense ties, and he hopes that the talks will help to expand the defense cooperation. He called on Australia to continue supporting Vietnam in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Mr. Dutton said Australia will continue transporting Vietnam’s level-2 field hospital to UN peacekeeping missions in 2022 as well as transporting forces in the years to come if conditions permit. He praised Vietnam’s support for upgrading the ASEAN-Australia relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Source: VOV5