UK and US ready to cooperate with Vietnam to modernize military

Speaking to Thanh Nien Newspaper on the sidelines of the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2022, Mr. James Heappey , Minister of State in charge of the armed forces of the British Ministry of Defense, said: "This is a great event, very well organized. I am looking forward to learning about some of Vietnam's technologies in the defense industry. Of course, I am also going with colleagues in the UK, who also bring great technologies that Vietnam is looking to expand."

Mr. James Heappey, Minister of State in charge of the armed forces of the British Ministry of Defense, monitors military systems manufactured by Viettel.

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After leaving the European Union (EU), the UK identified Southeast Asia as a focus in its “Indo-Pacific Pivot” strategy.

The UK has promoted its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, including the East Sea. In this policy, the UK focuses on developing economic and trade relations with Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific as a priority, but this must be accompanied by a stable security environment in accordance with international law.

Minister of State Heappey said that the UK has seen a shift in global focus towards Southeast Asia, a dynamic economic region of the world. The UK wants strong trade relations. To promote trade in this region, security in the region must be guaranteed.

Recognizing Vietnam as an important regional partner of the UK and an important member of ASEAN, Minister of State Heappey emphasized: "The UK is very eager to cooperate in business with Vietnam, start supplying equipment, and build relationships with the Vietnamese military."

“We are all facing security issues. So your maritime security concerns in the South China Sea are very understandable and the UK wants to work with you to address these concerns,” Mr Heappey said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh: Defense exhibition expands opportunities for international cooperation

Speaking to the press on the sidelines, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper commented that the participation of US businesses in this year's exhibition reflects the strong development of bilateral cooperation and defense cooperation between the two countries.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper

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Ambassador Knapper affirmed that the exhibition is an opportunity to show the quality of American products and that the US wishes to help Vietnam accelerate its military modernization policy, strengthen its military strength and its ability to protect its interests. Participating in the exhibition demonstrates the US's commitment to this relationship.

"The US policy is to ensure that Vietnam is strong, independent, prosperous; at the same time, it is capable of protecting its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensuring that its interests are well maintained," the US Ambassador affirmed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/anh-va-my-san-sang-hop-tac-voi-viet-nam-nham-hien-dai-hoa-quan-doi-1851529775.htm