The Defence Minister of Vietnam, General Phung Quang Thanh, yesterday visited the Australian Defence College in Canberra for discussions on international relations and education for military leaders.
The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, formally welcomed General Thanh and his delegation to the Australian Defence College campus at Weston Creek. Australia's Federation Guard provided an Honour Guard to mark General Thanh's visit, the first of its kind to occur at the college.
The Australian Defence College provides a unique learning environment through the delivery of postgraduate education to Australian and international military personnel.
Commander of the Australian Defence College, Major General Craig Orme, said visits by senior military representatives from overseas were important because they reflected the high value placed on professional military education and in building strong international ties between course members studying at the college.
"We have over 90 students from the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, North America, the United Kingdom and Europe studying at our learning centres,” Major General Orme said.
“The experience not only provides them with an understanding of the Australian Defence Force but allows our personnel to build networks for life and learn about the militaries of other countries.”
The Australian Defence College is the lead organisation for Defence education. Its learning centres include the Australian Command and Staff College, Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies, and the Australian Defence Force Academy.
The college provides undergraduate, postgraduate and specialist education to over 4500 local and international military personnel each year.
Media note:
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