Vietnamese Defence Minister Ngo Xuan Lich and French Defence Minister Florence Parly sign a joint vision statement on defence cooperation for 2018-2028 (VOV)

The French Defence Minister said France agrees with many other countries on the need to ensure the maritime and overflight security, safety and freedom guaranteed by international law. The two ministers agreed that all disputes should be settled peacefully in line with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. The two ministers stressed that defence ties are a pillar of the strategic partnership between France and Vietnam, and said the two countries should increase their cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and foster bilateral and multilateral partnerships that contribute to peace and security.

The ministers signed a joint vision statement on defence cooperation in 2018-2028 and an agreement amending the Vietnam-France cooperation agreement signed in 2009. The joint vision statement aims to deepen the defence bond that is part of the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership.