The 4th Vietnam-UK Defense Policy Dialogue

At the Dialogue, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that the Dialogue is a strategic exchange mechanism, an opportunity for both sides to review the results of cooperation in the past time, and at the same time agree on the direction of defense cooperation in the coming time to continue to be substantive and effective, for the interests of the two countries, for peace and common development of the region and the world. In the context of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2023), the Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership is being promoted by the leaders of the two countries, in which defense cooperation continues to be an important element in the overall relationship between the two countries.

Baroness Goldie DL affirmed that defense cooperation between the two countries is on the path of strong development, achieving many good results.

At the Dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on the world and regional situations of mutual concern; assessed that the defense cooperation relationship over the past time has continued to be implemented in the right direction, in accordance with the commitments of the two sides in the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Defense Cooperation signed in 2017, and the contents agreed upon between General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Mr. Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of Defense during his official visit to Vietnam in July 2021.

The two sides affirmed that the defense cooperation relationship in recent times has achieved many positive and outstanding results in the following areas: Delegation exchange; training cooperation, especially language training; United Nations peacekeeping (UNPKO); defense industry, maritime security; hydrography, geospatial, academic exchange and anti-human trafficking. In general, the defense cooperation relationship has been effectively and substantially implemented by both sides, meeting the interests of each side, making an important contribution to the Vietnam-UK Strategic Partnership, creating trust, for the benefit of each country, for peace and stability in the region and the world .

Based on the results of cooperation achieved in the past time, the two sides proposed directions for cooperation in the coming time. Accordingly, they will continue to exchange delegations; deploy bilateral defense cooperation fields in accordance with the documents and agreements signed by both sides.

Regarding training cooperation, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hopes that the UK will continue to support and provide scholarships for training in the UK for Vietnam, and organize specialized training courses in engineering and English. Vietnam is ready to receive British soldiers to study Vietnamese at the Academy of Military Science and the National Defense Academy. Vietnam hopes that the UK will support in improving professional capacity in areas where the UK has strengths such as cyber security, hydrography, navy, etc.

Regarding UN peacekeeping cooperation, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense requested the UK to continue to support the development and implementation of the project to bring the Vietnam Peacekeeping Training Center to the regional and international level; improve the capacity of professional forces; and support Vietnam's candidacy for senior positions at the Mission and at the UN Headquarters.

Regarding cooperation in the defense industry, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense is willing to create conditions for British defense enterprises to introduce products, learn more about the procurement process of defense products, as well as each other's needs and strengths to effectively implement cooperation in accordance with international law, practices and the needs and capabilities of each side.

The two sides agreed to maintain existing cooperation activities in the fields of hydrography, geospatial technology, academic exchanges, and cooperation in preventing human trafficking.

News and photos: PHUONG LINH

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