Chief of the Defence Force hosts Vietnamese counterpart

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, welcomed Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty, Chief of General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army to Canberra today at the start of a three-day visit to Australia.

ACM Binskin said defence engagement between Vietnam and Australia had developed significantly since the formal bilateral defence relationship began in 1998.

“Our two defence forces are working to foster closer cooperation through regular dialogue, senior-level visits and training on themes of mutual interest.

“The relationship is focused on peacekeeping, maritime security and officer training.

“Through the Defence Cooperation Program, Australia was pleased to provide English language and other specialised peacekeeping training prior to Vietnam's inaugural peacekeeping deployment to South Sudan this year.

“We will continue to provide this training and conduct activities such as port visits when opportunities arise. 

“Port visits and training activities designed to further enhance our maritime security engagement support our shared interest in maintaining maritime and aviation security as well as countering piracy.”

During their meeting, ACM Binskin and Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty discussed ways to increase practical cooperation between the two defence forces.

During his time in Australia, Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty will also visit the Australian Defence College and HMAS Stirling in Perth.

Media note:
Defence imagery will be available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20143436 
 
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999