On the morning of December 19th, in Hanoi , the Ministry of National Defence held the opening ceremony of the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024.
The opening ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh; General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense; General Luong Tam Quang, Minister of Public Security , along with many leaders of central ministries, departments and agencies, and international guests.
Vietnam understands and cherishes the value of friendship and peace.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024 has special significance, being a prominent international event with a message of peace, cooperation, and joint development, contributing to promoting foreign relations and defense cooperation in all fields; for peace, stability, cooperation, and development of the region and the world .
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visits the exhibition area showcasing the Vietnamese-modified air defense missile system.
PHOTO: TUAN MINH
The Prime Minister emphasized that Vietnam is a peace-loving nation that values righteousness, compassion, and justice in its international cooperation relations. Vietnam consistently pursues an independent, self-reliant, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy, being a good friend and reliable partner with all countries and an active and responsible member of the international community. Vietnam proactively promotes foreign relations and defense cooperation to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding, sincerity, and trust, jointly addressing common security and safety challenges, preventing conflicts, and combating war, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law , contributing to peace, cooperation , and common development in the region and the world. Having experienced much suffering, sacrifice, and loss due to war, Vietnam understands and cherishes the value of friendship, peace, cooperation, and development. "Vietnam is steadfast in its 'four no's' national defense policy: no participation in military alliances, no alignment with one country against another, no allowing foreign countries to establish military bases or use its territory to fight against other countries, and no use of force or threat of force in international relations," Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed. The head of government stated that Vietnam aims to build a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern army; to build a sufficiently strong national defense capability to enhance self-defense and protect the country early, from afar, and from its point of origin. "Vietnam's strategic orientation is to develop a proactive, self-reliant, self-strengthening, dual-use, modern, and internationally integrated national defense industry; prioritizing research, development, and application of advanced science and technology in the defense industry to optimize dual-use capabilities, simultaneously enhancing national defense potential and developing the economy, serving the country's strategic interests and the practical lives of its people," the Prime Minister emphasized.
Affirming Vietnam's role in international defense cooperation.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assessed the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024 as an affirmation of Vietnam's role and contribution to international defense cooperation; a symbol of trust, respect, and goodwill for cooperation among nations for a peaceful and prosperous world; and a vivid testament to the meaningful support and affection of international friends for the country, people, and the People's Army of Vietnam – a heroic army that always demonstrates sincerity and responsibility towards international friends.
The Prime Minister listened to a presentation about UAVs manufactured by the General Department of Defense Industry of Vietnam.
PHOTO: TUAN MINH
With the participation of numerous international delegations, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that this demonstrates the prestige and brand image of Vietnam's defense exhibition. This is an opportunity for all of us to strengthen our relationships, and also a chance for Vietnam to welcome international friends, share its culture and art, and introduce the country and people of Vietnam – a resilient, peace-loving, diligent, creative, friendly, and hospitable nation. On behalf of the Vietnamese Government, the Prime Minister thanked the international delegations, leading defense industry corporations and companies, and friends from all over the world for gathering here. The Prime Minister believes that the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024 will provide many opportunities for exchange, sharing experiences, exchanging scientific and technological advancements, and promoting military trade; opening up a promising future of cooperation, in line with the spirit of "peace, friendship, cooperation, and mutual development." According to the Ministry of National Defence , the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024 will have an indoor exhibition area of 15,000 m² and an outdoor area of over 20,000 m². The exhibition will showcase 68 types of military equipment currently in service with the Vietnam People's Army across an area of 10,530 m². Sixty international delegations and more than 240 defence industry enterprises from 49 countries will participate. The Vietnamese defence industry's exhibition area will feature many modern weapons, such as various types of UAVs (suicide and reconnaissance drones) from the General Department of Defence Industry and Viettel Military Telecommunications Group; three types of submachine guns currently being mass-produced by the army to replace the AK-47 rifle: the STV 380, STV 215, and STV 022; and the XCB-01 infantry fighting vehicle...
Opportunities for Vietnam's defense industry to expand into the global market.
In his welcoming letter to the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024, General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence, stated that inheriting and promoting the patriotic spirit and unique military art of the Vietnamese nation, and with the support of international friends, the Vietnam People's Army has continuously grown stronger over 80 years of building, fighting, and maturing, always fulfilling all assigned missions. "In the new situation, we continue to play a core role in building a national defense system, spearheading responses to non-traditional security challenges; especially in rescue and relief work, disaster prevention and control, and epidemic response, not only domestically but also fulfilling our noble international responsibilities and obligations," General Phan Van Giang affirmed. According to General Phan Van Giang, the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024 is an important event aimed at implementing the policy of comprehensive, in-depth, and synchronized international integration in all fields. Strengthening defense diplomacy and developing cooperation with all countries is crucial. It serves as a connecting point for businesses, research and production units, and users of weapons and equipment with potential partners in the defense sector, promising opportunities for export cooperation and technology transfer for all parties. Through seminars and bilateral meetings, defense agencies, units, and businesses both domestically and internationally will enhance mutual understanding, strengthen trust, and promote substantive cooperation tailored to each side's needs and capabilities, contributing to global peace and stability. Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, stated that the exhibition will strengthen international cooperation in the defense industry, share experiences, receive and transfer technology, and grasp advanced technological trends worldwide, enabling us to research, design, and manufacture weapons and technical equipment that meet the requirements of military and defense tasks in the new situation. The exhibition also promotes and introduces Vietnam's defense industry, facilitating trade, seeking partners and potential markets to participate in the production of defense industry products for the global market.
From left to right: US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper, Commander Samuel Paparo, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Jedidiah Royal at the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024.
PHOTO: DAU TIEN DAT
The US was impressed by the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024. Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, expressed his admiration for the professionally organized exhibition. "Today, we are here with equipment, weapons, and personnel to represent the US participation in this event," said Admiral Paparo. This year, the US showcased A-10 Thunderbolt II military aircraft and C-130J transport aircraft. In addition, a large number of US defense companies also participated. Jedidiah Royal, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, emphasized that the unprecedentedly large-scale presence at the exhibition clearly demonstrates the US commitment and strong support for a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam in general, and the modernization efforts of the Vietnam People's Army in particular. Maximizing the opportunities offered by the equipment. Mr. Mark Lancaster, UK Government Defence and Security Envoy, expressed his delight at the opportunity to attend the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024. "We have thoroughly reviewed Vietnam's Defence White Paper , which clearly states its desire to modernize its armed forces by 2030. Vietnam has also clearly stated its desire to diversify its partnerships in the defense industry, and the UK is committed to supporting both initiatives," Mr. Lancaster said. Regarding plans to support Vietnam's military modernization, Envoy Lancaster stated that the UK believes that true defense modernization requires three elements: equipment, policy, and training. Therefore, the UK Government is pleased to be able to cooperate with the UK defense industry to help Vietnam develop advanced capabilities to support its modernization goals. Promoting defense cooperation between the parties: The Russian arms export company Rosoboronexport showcased Russia's latest achievements in the field of defense and security at this exhibition. Rosoboronexport's General Director, Alexander Mikheev, stated that Rosoboronexport consistently provides Vietnam with the most advanced, reliable, and effective defense products to equip its military and security forces. Rosoboronexport presented the Typhoon-K multi-purpose armored vehicle integrated with the Kornet-EM anti-tank missile system, the BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicle with additional protection, and the Rubezh-ME coastal missile system. The exhibition provided an opportunity to promote defense cooperation between the parties. Sharing further details, Mr. Fukawa Hideki, advisor to the Agency for Defense Equipment, Technology and Logistics Cooperation under the Japanese Ministry of Defense (ATLA), said this was the second time his agency, along with Japanese companies, had participated in the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition. "ATLA and other Japanese companies participated in the 2022 Defence Exhibition for the first time. Then, in 2023, Japan successfully transferred anti-corrosion pretreatment technology to the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence," Mr. Hideki shared.
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