Minister of Defence Ngo Xuan Lich (R) welcomes visiting Indian counterpart Manohar Parrika
Manohar Parrika is paying an official visit to Vietnam, his first as Defence Minister, from June 5-8.The two ministers shared the view that the cooperation should focus on delegation exchanges and high-quality human resources training, and be in accordance with the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-India Defence Cooperation for the 2015-2020 period.The defence relations should be lifted to match the Vietnam-India strategic partnership for the sake of mutual development as well as of peace, stability in the region and around the world.The Indian minister confirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of India in the region and his country wants to develop friendship and cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation in the interest of both nations.Minister Lich, in turn, said India is a close friend and key partner of Vietnam, adding that Vietnam gives priority to strengthening the comprehensive rapport with India.During his stay in Vietnam, the Indian Minister is scheduled to attend a meeting between Vietnamese and Indian defence industry businesses and visit some units of the Vietnam People’s Army.