Vietnam-US sign minutes of 13th Defense Policy Dialogue

(Chinhphu.vn) - In recent times, based on signed documents, agreements and directions from senior leaders of the two countries and the two Ministries of National Defense, the bilateral defense cooperation between Vietnam and the United States has been actively and effectively implemented, achieving specific results in many fields.

13th Vietnam-US Defense Policy Dialogue - Photo: VGP/Nhat Nam

On May 8, in Hanoi, the 13th Vietnam-US Defense Policy Dialogue was held. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defense , and Mr. John Noh, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense of the United States, co-chaired the Dialogue.

Strengthening cooperation, effectively implementing some key points

This defense policy dialogue takes place in the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations; the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between Vietnam and the US continues to develop positively, increasingly in-depth and substantive in all fields, including defense.

In recent times, based on signed documents, agreements and directions from senior leaders of the two countries and the two Ministries of National Defense, bilateral defense cooperation has been actively and effectively implemented, achieving specific results in many areas such as: Exchange of delegations, contacts at all levels, especially high-level; dialogue and consultation mechanisms; defense industry cooperation, training, United Nations peacekeeping , military medicine; consultation and mutual support at multilateral defense forums, especially within the framework of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM+)...

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war continues to be a bright spot in the Vietnam-US relationship, with strong commitments from the two countries' senior leaders, considering it a priority in the bilateral relationship; highly appreciated the US announcement of a new aid package worth 130 million USD for the dioxin contamination treatment project at Bien Hoa airport area, thereby raising the total non-refundable aid from the US Government to 430 million USD.

At the same time, programs to support people with disabilities affected by Agent Orange have been expanded; the search for missing US servicemen (MIA) has been effectively implemented. Since the previous dialogue, the two sides have coordinated to conduct four joint and unilateral excavations, returning eight boxes of remains believed to be related to US servicemen. Since August 2024, with the support of Harvard University (USA), the two sides have coordinated to return 43 sets of war relics related to Vietnamese soldiers to the relatives of martyrs and Vietnamese veterans.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien suggested that in the coming time, the two sides continue to strengthen cooperation and effectively implement a number of cooperation focuses, including: Exchange of delegations at all levels; continue to effectively maintain existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms; training, military medicine, and United Nations peacekeeping; continue to consult and support each other at multilateral defense forums, contributing to peace, stability and common development.

Regarding cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hopes that cooperation activities will continue to be implemented according to the agreed roadmap; and suggests promoting propaganda work on cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war, so that public opinion can better understand the model of Vietnam - US relations in this deeply humane and humanitarian field.

Recalling the phone call between the two defense ministers in February 2025, Mr. John Noh said that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed his support for a strong and independent Vietnam. Regarding bilateral defense cooperation, the United States strongly supports the work of overcoming the consequences of war, highly appreciates the results of cooperation in overcoming the consequences of war and the effectiveness of MIA activities, and affirms that these activities demonstrate the goodwill and desire of the United States in promoting peaceful and constructive cooperation with Vietnam.

Mr. John Noh also hoped that in the coming time, the two sides will effectively implement the contents agreed upon in the Update of the Vietnam-US Joint Vision Statement on Defense Cooperation signed in September 2024, while expanding areas of cooperation of mutual interest. Mr. John Noh emphasized that the United States highly appreciates Vietnam's role in the region; wishes to strengthen and promote cooperation with countries in the region, including Vietnam, for peace, stability, and development of the region as well as the world.

Signing of the minutes of the 13th Vietnam-US Defense Policy Dialogue - Photo: VGP/Nhat Nam

Highly appreciated the development of bilateral defense cooperation in recent times

During the dialogue, the two sides also discussed the world and regional situation and issues of mutual concern. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations; is ready to cooperate with countries and international organizations for peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world; persistently struggles to resolve all disputes and disagreements by peaceful means on the basis of international law; and persistently pursues the "four no's" defense policy.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Vietnam's consistent stance is to comply with international law and customs, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); comply with the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and promote the early conclusion of negotiations and the signing of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in a substantive and effective manner.

Also at the Dialogue, the two sides signed the minutes of the 13th Vietnam-US Defense Policy Dialogue and handed over war relics; presented a letter from the Vietnamese Minister of National Defense to the US Secretary of Defense, in which he highly appreciated the development of bilateral defense cooperation in recent times, and at the same time requested the US Department of Defense to support and influence to facilitate the negotiation process of trade and tariffs in accordance with the interests of the two countries.

Phuong Lien

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/viet-nam-hoa-ky-ky-bien-ban-doi-thoai-chinh-sach-quoc-phong-lan-thu-13-10225050816055704.htm