VN, Bulgaria enhance defense cooperation

The MoU manifests both sides’ expectation to elevate their cooperation, particularly in defense, to a new height, Minister Thanh stressed.

He said that basing on the document, both sides will conduct delegation exchanges, share experiences and exchange information with each other, as well as coordinate in developing defense industry.

Minister Thanh reaffirmed the time-treasured traditional relationship between Viet Nam and Bulgaria during the past 63 years and expressed his hope to develop comprehensive cooperation with the European country, which Viet Nam considers as an important partner in Europe.

He expressed his gratitude for Bulgarian people and army’s support during the country’s fight for independence and emphasized that the comprehensive and effective cooperation with Bulgaria in accordance with the policy of active and deep integration into the international community will help Viet Nam enhance its ties with other European countries.

He also hoped that the bilateral cooperation will gain practical results, responding to the expectation and interests of both countries’ people, for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Minister Naydenov reiterated that his country wants to maintain and boost relations with traditional friends, saying that Viet Nam is a reliable and important partner of Bulgaria in Asia.

Similar viewpoints in the two countries’ foreign policies are favorable conditions for both sides to foster multi-faceted links, including defense cooperation, he said.

He hoped that the MoU will specify current cooperative links and open up further cooperation in new fields.

He also stated that the two ministries should enhance delegation exchange, share experiences in the UN peace keeping, charity and anti-terrorism activities, and military medical care and techniques.

Earlier, Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev extended a courtesy reception to Minister Thanh and his entourage.

President Plevneliev spoke highly of the visit, which manifests the sound traditional relationship between the two countries and armies.

He expressed his hope for a new development in the bilateral ties after his upcoming visit to Viet Nam.

He said that he always supports and creates favourable conditions for the two armies to tighten their ties, especially in training.

Minister Thanh thanked the President for his warm reception and extended President Truong Tan Sang’s greetings to him.

He reaffirmed the important position of Bulgaria in Viet Nam’s foreign policy and hoped that the two sides will promote their relations to respond to their potential.

During the August 14-17 visit to the European country, Minister Thanh and his entourage visited the Ministry of Economics and Energy, the Academy of Sciences and the National Military University of Bulgaria.

They also visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria./.

By Ngoc Van