Vietnam, New Zealand enhance defence cooperation Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh (right) and his visiting New Zealand Counterpart Jonathan Coleman (left) (Photo: VNA) Vietnamese and New Zealand Defence Ministers have signed a memorandum of understanding to lift bilateral defence cooperation to a new level in the time ahead.  The agreement was reached following talks between Defence Minister General Phung Quang Thanh and his visiting New Zealand Counterpart Jonathan Coleman in Hanoi on November 25. During the talks, both sides voiced pleasure at the sound development and practical cooperation activities between the two ministries over the past time, which are based on mutual respect and for the common benefit of Vietnam and New Zealand. Host and guest agreed to increase consultations at multilateral forums and bilateral dialogues, while expanding cooperation in English language and skill training for Vietnam’s army units, especially its peacekeeping force. Vietnam stands ready to cooperate with New Zealand in maritime security and other fields of strength and need, Thanh said. The two ministers exchanged views on several regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a hope to foster peace, friendship cooperation and development.-VNA