US pledges to support Vietnam in modernizing its military

The United States welcomes opportunities for stronger defense cooperation with Vietnam and is committed to assisting Vietnam in further modernizing its military.

At a press conference on December 19 at the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper affirmed that the message of "Peace, friendship, cooperation and development" in Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's speech resonated greatly, especially with the US.

US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, Commander Samuel Paparo and Permanent Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah Royal (from left to right). PHOTO: DAU TIEN DAT

"The US participation in the exhibition demonstrates the commitment of the US Government and the US defense industry to support Vietnam in diversifying and modernizing its military. At the same time, we hope that our major defense companies will work with Vietnam on potential issues such as joint production and technology transfer," Ambassador Knapper affirmed. In this year's exhibition, the US brought A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft and C-130J transport aircraft to display. US defense companies also attended the event in large numbers. The US Ambassador also emphasized that the historic and unprecedented participation of the US Government and private sector at this exhibition demonstrates its commitment to Vietnam. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah Royal affirmed that the strong presence, with an unprecedented scale, both in terms of personnel and equipment, of the United States at the exhibition clearly demonstrates the commitment and strong support of the United States for a prosperous and independent Vietnam in general, and the modernization efforts of the Vietnam People's Army in particular. "We always welcome opportunities for stronger cooperation with Vietnam and countries in the region, both bilaterally and multilaterally," Mr. Jedidiah Royal affirmed. Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo expressed his belief that the defense cooperation relationship between the United States and Vietnam will continue to develop in the coming time. Admiral Samuel Paparo also assessed: "Vietnam has participated in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and military medicine cooperation activities, contributing to promoting ASEAN's central role, promoting a rules-based international order, for stability, independence, and development in the region." Source: https://thanhnien.vn/my-cam-ket-ho-tro-viet-nam-tang-cuong-hien-dai-hoa-quan-doi-185241219181330567.htm