PH, Vietnam armies tackle stronger ties in Hanoi

The Philippine Army and the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) explored points of convergence to boost their defense capabilities during a meeting in Hanoi.

In a statement on Friday, the Philippine Army said its chief Lieutenant General Roy Galido rendered a courtesy call on VPA chief General Nguyen Tan Cuong during the former’s official visit to Vietnam from April 7 to 10.

Galido also had a meeting with VPA deputy chief of the general staff Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters.

The Philippine Army chief observed a capability demonstration at the VPA’s Special Forces Academy.

Galido also toured the Viettel High Tech Company, a leading technology provider which plays a key role in enhancing Vietnam's military technology and defense capabilities.

According to the Philippine Army, Galido’s visit aims to foster camaraderie and strengthen bilateral engagements between the two armies, which was founded by the 2015 Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.

The meeting between the Philippine and Vietnam armies offered a venue for talks on mutual interests like the exchange of experience, knowledge, and information. It also provided a chance for the two armies to determine opportunities for their capability development.

For the Philippine Army, Galido’s meeting with VPA officials may lead to the creation of formal Terms of Reference in the future. —Joviland Rita/ VAL, GMA Integrated News