Brian Jeffrey
On December 26, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, together with Senior Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin, Deputy Minister of Defense of Russia, led the 7th Strategic Defense Dialogue between Vietnam and Russia.
Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized the vital importance of defense collaboration as part of the comprehensive strategic partnership and the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Russia. He acknowledged the advancements since their last meeting in July 2023.
The nations have seen fruitful progress in various fields, including delegation exchanges, effective cooperation frameworks, personnel development, and inter-military collaboration.
In addition, both sides have engaged in scientific research through the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center, as well as in military broadcasting, historical activities, museum work, and participation in multilateral defense forums.
He urged for ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness and practicality of defense cooperation, highlighting the significance of frameworks like the Intergovernmental Coordination Committee for the Vietnam-Russia Tropical Center and the Strategic Defense Dialogue.
He recommended exploring further collaboration in military areas, medical training, Russian language education, and assistance for the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense in commemorating “70 years of Vietnam-Soviet Union/Russia Defense Cooperation.”
Senior Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin conveyed his happiness in visiting Vietnam and congratulated the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense on the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of the All-People’s Defense Day.
He highlighted that defense cooperation serves as a foundation for the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
2024 will commemorate 30 years since the Treaty on the Basic Principles of Friendship was signed between Vietnam and Russia. The following year, they will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations and 80 years since the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War victory, which Vietnam supported.
Deputy Minister Fomin reiterated Russia’s intention to bolster bilateral defense connections, stressing the mutual benefits and the strong ties shared by the two nations.
Throughout the dialogue, both parties exchanged views on global and regional matters of mutual concern. Senior Lieutenant General Chien reaffirmed Vietnam’s dedication to an independent and multilateral foreign policy aimed at fostering peace, friendship, and international collaboration.
Vietnam is committed to working with other nations and international entities to advance peace and development. The country emphasizes resolving disputes via peaceful means based on international law, particularly referencing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The dialogue concluded with the signing of two significant documents, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the respective Ministries of Defense.
