“Australia has a longstanding and strong history of engagement in Vietnam”, Australian Charge D’Affaires Layton Pike said.
 “We are working with Vietnam and other countries to ensure our region is safe, secure, and prosperous.  Australia’s defence cooperation program in Vietnam is part of this commitment”, Mr Pike said.

Vice Admiral Ray Griggs

The visit by Vice Admiral Griggs will allow him to see firsthand the positive contribution Australia’s defence partnership with Vietnam is making. It is also an important opportunity to look to the future of the bilateral defence cooperation program.
Vice Admiral Griggs will meet with the Chief of the General Staff, LTGEN Phan Van Giang and the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, SLTGEN Pham Ngoc Minh, at the Ministry of National Defence in Hanoi during his visit. He will also meet with the Air Force-Air Defence, Navy and Coast Guard leaders to discuss further bilateral cooperation in a range of specialist areas, including maritime security.
Vice Admiral Griggs will deliver a speech to Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence personnel on overcoming the challenges posed by Australia’s military modernisation efforts. He will also visit the Vietnam Peacekeeping Centre to discuss Vietnam’s current and future contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Vice Admiral Griggs’ visit to Vietnam is one part of an extensive regional tour, including visits to Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam, in which he will discuss Australia’s enduring cooperation with regional military forces