The visit of the Malaysian Minister of Defense contributed to creating new momentum, promising to further develop the defense relationship between Vietnam and Malaysia.
General Phan Van Giang - Minister of National Defense of Vietnam - welcomed Mr. Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan - Minister of Defense of Malaysia - Photo: THUY DU
On the morning of December 4, at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense (Hanoi), General Phan Van Giang - Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense - chaired the official welcoming ceremony for Mr. Dato' Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan - Minister of Defense of Malaysia. Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two sides held talks. General Phan Van Giang emphasized that the visit of the high-ranking delegation of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense is of great significance, not only contributing to the practical celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries but also contributing to creating new momentum, promising to further develop the defense relationship between the two countries. The General affirmed that Vietnam and Malaysia are two close neighbors in Southeast Asia, sharing many similarities in culture and history, both are active and responsible members of ASEAN, sharing and supporting each other on many important international issues. The two countries are currently actively implementing the Action Program to implement the strategic partnership for the period 2021 - 2025 in all areas, including defense cooperation. At the meeting, the Malaysian Defense Minister assessed that the defense relationship between the two countries has had many positive developments based on the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defense cooperation, especially since the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2015. He expressed his hope that in the coming time, the defense relationship between the two countries will continue to develop to new heights.
During the talks, the two ministers assessed that the potential and room for cooperation between the two sides is still very large, therefore, they suggested that both sides continue to effectively implement the signed documents and agreements, and orient defense cooperation in the coming time. In particular, focusing on the following areas: increasing contacts, exchanging delegations, promptly establishing consultation and dialogue mechanisms; promoting cooperation between military branches and services. The two sides promote cooperation in areas where both sides have strengths and needs such as training, defense industry, logistics, military medicine, search and rescue. At the same time, they actively consult and support each other at regional and international security forums, especially in the ADMM and ADMM+ mechanisms. In addition, the two sides also shared about the world and regional situation and issues of mutual concern. The two sides assessed that, in the context of complicated developments in the world and the region, ASEAN-led mechanisms continue to play a central role in the region, promoting dialogue and cooperation between countries within the bloc as well as external partners, for peace, stability and development of the region. The two sides emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, security, safety, freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, the need to seriously and fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and promote the early conclusion of negotiations and signing of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Comment (0)