On the afternoon of December 22nd, the Ministry of National Defence held a ceremony to summarize and award prizes for the Vietnam International Defence Exhibition 2024.

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Head of the exhibition's steering committee, stated that among the series of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Day, the exhibition is the largest and most important defense diplomacy event of the year.

The exhibition was a great success, with absolute security and safety ensured in all aspects.

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General Hoang Xuan Chien speaks at the closing ceremony. Photo: Minh Nhat

Speaking about the public's interest, the Deputy Minister said that today the number of visitors remains very high, especially at the exhibition booths of Vietnam's defense industry, where long lines of people wait for their turn. "We are very proud; we never imagined this," the Deputy Minister shared.

The Vietnam Military History Museum's opening to visitors was also "a phenomenon," with a peak of 47,000 visitors per day, while the counter at the Defense Exhibition on December 21st counted 125,000 people. To date, after two days, a total of over 260,000 people have visited. Due to the continued high demand from the public, the Ministry of Defense has decided to extend the opening of some exhibition booths until December 23rd.

The Deputy Minister said that after receiving instructions, all units and booths were very enthusiastic and ready to serve the people. The Deputy Minister was moved by the contributions of the forces serving to make the exhibition a success. The exhibition organizers distributed more than 60,000 bottles of water and dried food free of charge to visitors and made thorough preparations, accurately anticipating the situation.

Commenting on the media coverage, Deputy Minister Hoang Xuan Chien said that the "power of the media" was immense, not only demonstrated by the more than 8,000 news articles about the exhibition and the 400 domestic and international journalists covering it. Social media platforms posted a lot of positive information expressing pride in the exhibition. Delegates from participating countries also highly appreciated it.

The Deputy Minister was moved as he recounted his meeting with an 83-year-old veteran who had traveled all the way from Dien Bien to Hanoi to visit the exhibition and witness the achievements of Vietnam's defense industry. The people gained a better understanding of the national defense industry and had more confidence in the strength of the Army. Such images further empower the Army.

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Visitors were given free water while touring the exhibition.

Sixteen contracts worth over $286 million were signed at the exhibition, double the number from the 2022 exhibition, the Deputy Minister said, which is noteworthy.

He affirmed that the series of commemorative activities, including the exhibition, contributed to showcasing the position and prestige of Vietnam and the Vietnam People's Army on the international stage.

According to the Ministry of National Defense leadership, these results were achieved thanks to the leadership, guidance, command, and control; and the high determination and decisiveness of all levels and forces from top to bottom. The forces underwent numerous joint training exercises, with some units starting training as early as March.

The Deputy Minister spoke about the opening ceremony, which featured an aerial display by the air force. The pilots flew with great confidence and skill, creating a spectacular sight, and a large crowd of people gathered on the Long Bien dike to admire the performance.

The Deputy Minister requested that lessons be learned from this event for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam, the 80th anniversary of National Day in 2025, and subsequent exhibitions. The ground forces, including military dogs, special forces, military bands, actors, and singers, with their diligent training, also delivered very impressive performances.

However, the Deputy Minister cautioned against complacency, noting that the exhibition is still taking place tomorrow and that good coordination is necessary to ensure security, safety, and to provide services and guidance to visitors.

Vietnam secured 16 contracts worth over $286 million at the International Defence Exhibition.

Vietnam secured 16 contracts worth over $286 million at the International Defence Exhibition.

At the International Defence Exhibition, the General Department of Defence Industry and the Military Telecommunications Industry Group signed 16 contracts with a total value of approximately $286.3 million.
Visiting hours for some areas at the Defence Exhibition have been extended until December 23rd.

Visiting hours for some areas at the Defence Exhibition have been extended until December 23rd.

To meet the public's demand for visits, the Ministry of National Defence has decided to extend the exhibition period and open certain areas at the Second International Defence Exhibition until December 23rd.
Major General Le Quang Tuyen: Over 98,000 people registered to visit the defense exhibition.

Major General Le Quang Tuyen: Over 98,000 people registered to visit the defense exhibition.

According to Major General Le Quang Tuyen, Deputy Director General of the General Department of Defense Industry, as of this morning, more than 98,000 people have registered to visit the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition.