Vietnam and Singapore hold defense dialogue, humanitarian cooperation, disaster relief

On the afternoon of October 5, at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense (Hanoi), Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, and Mr. Chan Heng Kee, Permanent Secretary of the Singapore Ministry of Defense co-chaired the 14th Vietnam-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue.

This dialogue aims to review the results of bilateral defense cooperation since the 13th Vietnam-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue (November 2022), and at the same time discuss and agree on the general direction of bilateral defense cooperation in the coming time.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien welcomed Mr. Chan Heng Kee.

2023 is a year of special significance as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of strategic partnership. Bilateral defense cooperation is increasingly deepening, becoming more substantive and effective.

Speaking at the dialogue, Mr. Chan Heng Kee emphasized the significance of 2023 for Singapore-Vietnam relations, and bilateral defense cooperation contributes significantly to strengthening the Singapore-Vietnam strategic partnership.

According to Mr. Chan Heng Kee, defense cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore has continued to develop strongly in recent times, especially since the two sides signed an agreement on bilateral defense cooperation (February 2022) and a Cooperation Plan for the 2023-2025 period (November 2022).

At the dialogue, the two sides discussed the world and regional situation and issues of mutual concern, highly appreciating the role of ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

14th Vietnam - Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien said that Vietnam consistently follows a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship; multilateralization, diversification and the "four no's" defense policy: not participating in military alliances; not aligning with one country to fight another; not allowing foreign countries to set up military bases or use its territory to fight against other countries; not using force or threatening to use force in international relations.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Vietnam's stance is to persistently resolve disagreements by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides assessed that based on signed documents and agreements, bilateral defense cooperation in recent times has continued to be effectively implemented and achieved positive results.

The two sides agreed to continue efforts to promote bilateral defense cooperation in the coming time, focusing on the following areas: increasing the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level delegations, to promptly consult and share views on issues of mutual concern and cooperation orientations; continuing to perfect the cooperation framework and mechanism; promoting cooperation in human resource training, cooperation between the two countries' navies and air forces; promoting cooperation in potential areas such as cyber security, digital transformation, military medicine, defense industry, law, etc.

vietnam singapore 3.jpg — Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Mr. Chan Heng Kee witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief between the Office of the National Committee for Incident, Disaster Response and Search and Rescue of Vietnam and the Singapore Regional Coordination Center for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

The two sides will continue to consult and support each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms led by ASEAN, thereby making important contributions to strengthening ASEAN's central role.

On this occasion, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien invited leaders of the Singapore Ministry of Defense and Singaporean businesses to Vietnam to attend the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024.

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