US Secretary of Defense and Secretary of War exchange war relics

General Phan Van Giang emphasized that the visit of the US Secretary of War is of great significance, taking place at a time when the two countries are celebrating the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, contributing to promoting the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as defense cooperation.

Over the past time, Vietnam - US defense cooperation has been implemented in accordance with the direction of the two countries' senior leaders, the two Defense Ministries as well as signed documents and agreements.

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, speaks at the meeting.

The two countries' armies maintain delegation exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially at high levels; dialogue and consultation mechanisms are maintained periodically and rotated in each country. Vietnam and the US cooperate in training, UN peacekeeping , military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief; military cooperation and defense industry are promoted. The two countries also coordinate in regional multilateral mechanisms.

The Vietnamese Minister of National Defense thanked the US Department of War for its continued support for English language training and specialized training, including UN peacekeeping, for Vietnamese military personnel. The equipment and infrastructure provided by the US have significantly contributed to enhancing Vietnam’s capacity to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

General Phan Van Giang affirmed that cooperation in overcoming war consequences continues to be a bright spot, with strong commitments from senior leaders of the two countries.

Cooperation in overcoming the consequences of bombs, mines and toxic chemicals after the war continues to be implemented. General Phan Van Giang highly appreciated the US announcement of a new aid package worth 130 million USD for the dioxin treatment project at Bien Hoa airport area, increasing the total amount of non-refundable aid from the US Government from 300 million USD to 430 million USD.

In particular, on October 31, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the US Department of War and the US Department of State signed a memorandum of understanding on enhancing cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war. According to Minister Phan Van Giang, this is an important milestone, creating a solid foundation for the two sides to promote cooperation in this field.

The search for US soldiers missing in action in the Vietnam War (MIA) has been carried out effectively. To date, after 160 joint operations, Vietnam has returned to the US a total of 994 boxes containing remains, of which the US side announced that it had concluded the identification of 740 cases.

General Phan Van Giang shared that this is the result of the efforts of the two countries over the past 50 years.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the talks

Regarding the search for Vietnamese soldiers who died, were missing, or went missing during the war, Vietnam highly appreciates the information and documents provided by the US, as well as the US's support in improving the capacity to identify war remains.

Since the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in this field in July 2021, to date, Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense agencies have verified 44/45 sets of information files received from the US side and are continuing to actively search.

The Minister of Defense hopes that the US will continue to support training and fostering high-quality human resources; and share experiences in cyber security. Vietnam is willing to invite US officers to learn Vietnamese and participate in international defense officials courses in Vietnam.

Regarding cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, the Minister proposed that the US continue to support Vietnam in improving its capacity to overcome the consequences of bombs, mines and toxic chemicals; and complete internal procedures to ensure that non-refundable aid funds are implemented as agreed, including an additional budget of 130 million USD for the Bien Hoa airport project.

At the talks, the two sides shared the world and regional situation and issues of mutual concern.

Vietnam requests the US to continue cooperation in searching for Vietnamese soldiers who died, are missing, or are missing in action during the war. Vietnam pledges to closely coordinate and create the most favorable conditions for MIA activities, to ensure that the efforts of both sides accelerate the search work to achieve the highest efficiency.

In the coming time, the two sides agreed to cooperate in overcoming the consequences of war; cooperation in military, service, defense industry, training, military medicine, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, cyber security, and United Nations peacekeeping...

The Ministry of National Defense plans to organize the 3rd Vietnam International Defense Exhibition in late 2026; Minister Phan Van Giang hopes that Secretary Pete Hegseth, leaders of the Department of War and US defense enterprises will continue to support and participate.

For his part, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that this visit affirms the importance of the bilateral defense relationship, in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development.

The two Ministers exchanged war relics between the two countries, including information cards and personal belongings of soldiers during the war.

He affirmed that cooperation in overcoming war consequences continues to be a top priority in the overall bilateral defense cooperation relationship, contributing to building trust between the two countries, the two armies and the two peoples.

As a country located in the Asia-Pacific region, the US supports a peaceful and prosperous Vietnam, promoting the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world.

Secretary Pete Hegseth thanked the Ministry of National Defense and Vietnam for their active support and assistance in searching for US soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam.

At the end of the talks, the two sides exchanged war relics.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/bo-truong-quoc-phong-va-bo-truong-chien-tranh-my-trao-doi-ky-vat-chien-tranh-2458656.html