General Phan Van Giang emphasized that the official visit to Vietnam by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak is of special significance in the context of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (1950-2025), creating new momentum for bilateral defence cooperation and contributing to the active and effective implementation of defence cooperation contents agreed upon by both sides in the Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation signed in 2015 during the official visit to Vietnam by the Minister of Defence of Slovakia, Martin Glvac.
Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang affirmed that the Party, State, and Government of Vietnam always attach great importance to consolidating and developing the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Slovakia. The Vietnamese people always cherish and are grateful for Slovakia's assistance during the struggle for national independence and reunification in the past, and in the current process of national development and international integration. Despite the geographical distance, the two countries have much room and potential for cooperation in all fields, including defence.
During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on the global and regional situation and issues of mutual interest. General Phan Van Giang emphasized that Vietnam is committed to its "four no's" defense policy and wishes to expand bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual respect for common interests, contributing to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Looking ahead, General Phan Van Giang proposed that both sides continue to promote defense cooperation commensurate with the positive and increasingly close development of bilateral relations, focusing on the following areas: strengthening delegation exchanges, establishing cooperation mechanisms to enhance mutual understanding, and exchanging measures to promote cooperation.
General Phan Van Giang expressed his hope that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak would pay attention and soon appoint a Slovak Defence Attaché to Vietnam to act as a bridge to help effectively implement the cooperation contents agreed upon by both sides.
Promote cooperation on United Nations peacekeeping through delegation exchanges, experience sharing, and participation in relevant training courses organized by each side; strengthen cooperation in the defense industry.
In addition, research and explore possibilities for cooperation in other potential areas such as cybersecurity, demining, addressing the consequences of war, responding to non-traditional challenges, and mutual support within the framework of cooperation between Vietnam and the European Union.
On this occasion, General Phan Van Giang respectfully invited Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak, along with leaders of the agency responsible for defence industry cooperation and leading defence industry enterprises of Slovakia, to attend the 3rd Vietnam International Defence Exhibition, scheduled to be held at the end of 2026.
Emphasizing the long-standing traditional relationship between Vietnam and Slovakia, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak affirmed that the two countries have stood side by side during the years of fighting and development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak expressed his pleasure at the results of defence cooperation between the two countries in the past period. Looking ahead, he proposed that the two countries strengthen cooperation in the following areas: defence industry, exchange of delegations at all levels, and cybersecurity.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak also agreed to appoint a Slovak Defence Attaché to Vietnam to act as a bridge to help effectively implement the cooperation contents agreed upon by both sides.
Source: https://daidoanket.vn/thuc-day-hop-tac-quoc-phong-viet-nam-slovakia.html
![[Photo] Prime Minister Le Minh Hung presides over the thematic session on promoting science and technology development and innovation.](https://vphoto.vietnam.vn/thumb/1200x675/vietnam/resource/IMAGE/2026/06/23/1782207872934_ndo_br_dsc-1724-jpg.webp)
