Hanoi (VNA), Feb. 18 -- Defence Minister Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich hosted a reception in Hanoi on February 18 for Senator Linda Reynolds, Australian Defence Minister, within the framework of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Retreat.

The two ministers acknowledged recent steps of development in bilateral defence ties with effective activities within Vietnam - Australia defence cooperation framework in accordance with signed agreements.

Reynolds lauded the Vietnamese Defence Ministry for holding an informal meeting between ASEAN and Australia defence ministers, which, she said, reflected Vietnam's support for Australia in enhancing cooperation with the bloc in national defence as well as Vietnam's preparations during ASEAN Chairmanship Year ...