Experience sharing and support from the United Nations (UN) Department for Peacekeeping Operations over the past time will help the Vietnam People's Army complete its preparations to participate in the UN's peacekeeping force in early 2014, state media quoted a senior official as saying.

The Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense and Senior Lieutenant General, Nguyen Chi Vinh, made the statement in Hanoi on Monday when he met with Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations at the United Nations, Edmond Mullet during the latter's visit to Vietnam on Feb. 25-28, according to state-run Vietnam News Agency.

At the meeting, Vinh also informed the guest of the training of officers, who will work as observers at the UN.

Mulet said that the peacekeeping department will work closely with the Vietnam People's Army and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese side to send officers to visit a UN peacekeeping mission.

Mulet also met with Assistant to Vietnamese Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc, during which he spoke highly of Vietnam's role, international prestige and contributions over the past years, adding that he hoped Vietnam will continue to contribute to the UN 's activities, especially in maintaining peace and international security.

Vietnam will continue implementing foreign policies of independence, self-mastery, peace, cooperation and development, and take the initiative in international integration, Ngoc said, adding that the country is a trustworthy friend and partner and a responsible member of the international community, and attaches importance to the multifaceted relationship with the UN.

During his stay in Vietnam, Mullet is scheduled to work with relevant ministries and agencies to help them effectively prepare for participating in any future UN peacekeeping campaigns.