This year, the US delegation is twice the size of the one from 2022, led by Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the Indo- Pacific Command.

The products that the US brought to the exhibition included the C-130J transport aircraft, the A-10 attack aircraft, the Stryker armored vehicle, the M777 howitzer system, and more. In addition, a large number of US defense companies also participated in the event.

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U.S. officials at the exhibition area.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo- Pacific Security Affairs, Jedidiah Royal, congratulated the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense on organizing the grand opening of the exhibition; the US strongly supports a "strong, prosperous, and independent" Vietnam, and supports the efforts to modernize the Vietnam People's Army.

Cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in addressing the consequences of war has come a long way. Last September, during the visit of Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang to the US, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced that the US Department of Defense would continue to support Vietnam in addressing the consequences of war and dioxin decontamination.

Mr. Jedidiah Royal stated that defense cooperation between the two countries is increasingly strengthened, contributing to maintaining a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. The US participation in the exhibition demonstrates the growing relationship with Vietnam.

Jedidiah Royal spoke about opportunities for defense industry cooperation between the two countries in several areas.

"We always welcome opportunities for stronger cooperation with Vietnam and other countries in the region, both bilaterally and multilaterally," he affirmed.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, inspect a C-130J aircraft.

Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, was impressed by the magnificent and spectacular performance of the opening ceremony, showcasing the excellence and precision of the Vietnamese military.

The Admiral spoke about bilateral cooperation in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, military medicine, demining, addressing the consequences of dioxin contamination, and repatriating the remains of American soldiers. Admiral Samuel Paparo shared his vision for a bright future for bilateral relations, emphasizing cooperation based on equality, respect for each country's sovereignty and independence, and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Admiral Samuel Paparo expressed his delight at the strong development of relations between the two countries, especially the upgrading of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last September; this is "a great source of pride for both the United States and Vietnam."

Admiral Samuel Paparo assessed Vietnam as having an equal role with all other countries. Vietnam is "independent, protects its own interests, and contributes to the international community." "Vietnam has participated in cooperation activities supporting humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, military medicine, contributing to promoting ASEAN's central role, and fostering a rules-based international order for stability, independence, and development in the region."

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General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, inspects a C-130J aircraft.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper expressed his admiration for Vietnam's organization of the exhibition. He added that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's message about cooperation, promoting friendship and mutual development resonated strongly, especially with the United States.

"We want to deepen our friendship and expand cooperation with Vietnam. We want major US defense companies to work here, to work with Vietnam and Vietnamese partners in joint production and technology transfer," the Ambassador shared.

The US participation in the exhibition demonstrates the commitment of the US government and defense industry to supporting Vietnam in strengthening the diversification and modernization of its military.

Marc Knapper emphasized that the historic and unprecedented participation of the US government and private sector in this exhibition demonstrates their commitment to Vietnam.

Prime Minister: Vietnam is building a sufficiently strong national defense capability to enhance its self-defense capacity.

Prime Minister: Vietnam is building a sufficiently strong national defense capability to enhance its self-defense capacity.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that Vietnam's policy is to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern army; and to build a sufficiently strong national defense potential to enhance self-defense capabilities and protect the country from early on and from afar.
Proposing cooperation from US aerospace and defense companies in technology transfer.

Proposing cooperation from US aerospace and defense companies in technology transfer.

On the afternoon of December 18th, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received a delegation of aerospace, defense, and security businesses from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) attending the 2nd International Defence Exhibition.