BOLKIAH GARRISON, Monday 27 March 2011 – The Ministry of Defence today received a visit by the Deputy Defence Minister, Ministry of National Defence of the Socialist Republic Of Vietnam, His Excellency Colonel General Nguyen Huy Hieu at Bolkiah Garrison.
Upon arrival at the Ministry of Defence, His Excellency inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by personnel from the Third Battalion of Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF).
This was then followed by a courtesy call on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat. Also present were the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and senior officers from Ministry of Defence. A bilateral meeting between both sides was also held during the visit to MINDEF.
This second visit by His Excellency aims to strengthen the bilateral military relations and friendship between both Armed Forces.
Both sides agreed to enhance the interaction between officers especially exchanges between officer cadets for the purpose of increasing mutual understanding and to boost the bilateral relationship. While Brunei Darussalam invites Vietnam officers’ to attend courses offered by MINDEF such as the Executive Development Programme (EDP), Command Staff Course (CSC), Junior Staff Course (JSC) and English Language Course at the Training Institute RBAF, Vietnam also invites Brunei Darussalam to attend courses such as Vietnamese language courses.
At the same time, Vietnam was also invited to attend the upcoming international event such as, Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2011, Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo (BIT) 2011 and Brunei International Shooting Skill at Arms Meet (BISAM) 2012.
Both sides also discussed matters pertaining to the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus which was held in Vietnam in October 2010 where Brunei Darussalam applauded Vietnam for successfully hosting the meeting. Vietnam gives her strong support to Brunei Darussalam when it is her turn to host the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) in 2013.
Both sides shared the same concerns on Maritime Security and welcomed establishing bilateral training such as naval cooperation in Search and Rescue. In this regard, Vietnam appreciated and thanked the RBAF on helping and rescuing a Vietnam fishing vessel grounded off the Brunei coast.
During the brief visit to the Sultanate, the Vietnam delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Brunei Museum, Arts and Handicraft Centre and Royal Regalia.
His Excellency Colonel General Nguyen Huy Hieu and spouse Mrs Lai Thi Xuan as well as delegation arrived in Brunei Darussalam on 27 March 2011 for a three-day official visit.