Berlin, Oct. 20 (VNA) – A military delegation, led by Defence Minister Pham Van Tra, paid an official visit to Germany from Oct. 17-20.

The delegation was welcomed by German Defence Minister Peter Struck, who said the visit marked the development of a new period in the relationship between the two defence ministries, helping to strengthen the friendly and co-operative ties between Germany and Viet Nam.

The two sides informed each other about the socio-economic development of their respective countries, exchanged experiences in organising and building their armies and also discussed issues of mutual concern. They also proposed measures to further promote the friendly co-operation between the two armies, especially in the foreign-language training and medical areas.

Tra expressed his thanks to the German people and Government in general and the German Ministry of Defence in particular for their assistance given to the Vietnamese people and army. He also thanked the German Ministry of Defence for the warm welcome given to him and his entourage.