British Ambassador Dr Antony Stokes presenting a certificate for a Vietnamese officer. Photo: British Council Vietnam
PANO - 24 Vietnamese officers under the Institute for Defence International Relations, Defence Ministry have reached the Common European Framework A2 level after five months of intensive study at British Council Vietnam.
These officers have taken part in the first English course for UN Peace-Keeping Operations which wrapped up on July 11 th in Hanoi with a graduation ceremony in the attendance of the British Ambassador Dr. Antony Stokes and Group Captain Clive Coombes OBE, Defence Attaché to Vietnam.
Apart from the Common European Framework A2 level, they have also completed the first level of the military English course Campaign, and are equipped with enough English to manage day communications in an international context.
This course marks the first outcome from the signing of the historic defence cooperation memorandum of understanding between Vietnam and the UK in November 2011. Aiming at equipping the officers with necessary English for future deployment on UN peace keeping operations, the English course was designed with both general and military elements.
The British Ambassador to Vietnam Dr. Antony Stokes said that ‘It is a pleasure to be here at the British Council in Hanoi at the graduation of the inaugural English language training course sponsored by the UK Ministry of Defence for the officers of the Vietnamese People’s Army.
‘This course is a clear demonstration of the UK and Vietnam as strategic partners for peace-keeping and education. Moreover, Vietnam’s intention to make its forces available for deployment on such duties shows a visible commitment to play a greater role on the global stage.’
The second course will be opened later this year.
Chung Anh