Defence leaders of Vietnam and China at the border marker 1223 in Chi Ma Border Gate during the third Vietnam-China border defence friendship exchange programme (Photo: VNA)Politburo member and ViceChairman of the Chinese Central Military Commission of the Communist Party ofChina Senior Lieutenant General Fan Chang Long will pay an official visit toVietnam from June 18-19 and then co-chair the exchange programme with General NgoXuan Lich, who is Politburo member, Defence Minister, and Deputy Chairman ofthe Central Military Commission, Hoi said.
The programme aims to fosterfriendship and solidarity between local governments, people and border guardforces, thus enhancing political trust and strengthening ties between the twocountries and armies.
The programme comprises variousactivities, including a seminar and culture-art exchange, the inauguration of theVietnam-China Friendship and Culture House, and a conference to review the two-yeartwin relations between villages of Lai Chau and China’s Yunnan province.
A joint drill on combatingcross-border crime between the two sides will also be held for the first time,he said.
Major General Hoi said thatdefence cooperation forms a significant part of the Vietnam-China comprehensivestrategic partnership.
Leaders of the two DefenceMinistries have agreed to increase mutual trust and understanding, fosteringthe defence ties through many cooperation mechanisms and forms.
The first Vietnam-China borderdefence friendship exchange programme was held in 2014 in Mong Cai and China’sDong Xing, the second took place in Lao Cai in 2015 and the third in Lang Sonin 2016.
The two sides signed acooperation agreement on establishing a coordination mechanism between theMinistry of Defence of Vietnam and China’s Ministry of Public Security, aimingto strengthen bilateral affiliation in fighting cross-border crimes, andmaintaining security and order in the shared border.-VNA
VNA
