Canada, UK want to cooperate to modernize Vietnam's military

On December 20, speaking to the press on the sidelines of the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 , Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, said he was very impressed with the exhibition booth of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense .

Vice Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander, Royal Canadian Navy

PHOTO: DAU TIEN DAT

"I see that Vietnam really values developing the defense industry with extremely modern combat systems and I think we can learn from each other. I myself have learned a number of solutions from Vietnamese suppliers as well as other suppliers at this exhibition," Vice Admiral Angus Topshee affirmed and emphasized that defense cooperation in various fields between Canada and Vietnam has developed very dynamically and strongly in recent times, which will contribute to promoting mutual understanding.

"Defense cooperation between Canada and Vietnam not only benefits the two countries but also contributes to maintaining regional and global peace and stability. The two countries share the same goal of protecting the country, protecting the people and maintaining peace," Mr. Topshee affirmed.

Vice Admiral Angus Topshee (2nd from right) visits the General Department of Defense Industry's exhibition booth.

PHOTO: DAU TIEN DAT

Mr. Angus Topshee also said that Canada wishes to welcome Vietnamese naval officers to Canada to witness training and expertise. Canada will also share with Vietnam military equipment to help Vietnam maintain peace and stability at sea.

UK to support Vietnam in advancing military modernization goals

British Trade Commissioner for Asia-Pacific Martin Kent said this year's exhibition marked the first British pavilion at a defence event in Vietnam.

According to Mr Kent, the UK defence industry is keen to support Vietnam's efforts to diversify its defence equipment. "Recent engagement has focused on sharing expertise and exploring partnerships in areas such as aerospace, cyber security and advanced manufacturing," High Commissioner Kent said.

The UK Government's Special Envoy for Defence and Security Mark Lancaster said that the UK has carefully studied Vietnam's Defence White Paper , which clearly states Vietnam's desire to modernise its armed forces by 2030 and diversify its defence industry partners. Therefore, the UK is committed to supporting both of these initiatives.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh talks with British Government's Special Envoy for Defense and Security Mark Lancaster

Regarding the plan to support Vietnam in modernizing its military, Special Envoy Lancaster said that the UK believes that to realize the process of defense modernization, three factors are needed: equipment, policy and training. The UK Government is pleased to be able to cooperate with the UK defense industry to help Vietnam develop advanced capabilities to advance its modernization goals.

“We don’t believe that selling equipment is enough. A true partnership requires policy and training collaboration to maximize the opportunities that new equipment brings,” Lancaster stressed.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/canada-anh-muon-hop-tac-hien-dai-hoa-quan-doi-viet-nam-185241220210347245.htm