During the talks, the Vietnamese defense leader emphasized that although Vietnam and Chile are geographically distant, they have maintained close traditional cooperation, both during Vietnam’s struggle for national independence and in its current Fatherland construction and defense. Gen. Giang affirmed that Vietnam highly values the relationship with Chile, which is the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam (March 25, 1971). He added that President Luong Cuong’s choice of Chile as the first country to visit reflects Vietnam's respect and desire to strengthen cooperation with the country and evaluated that the Vietnam - Chile comprehensive partnership has been continuously strengthened and expanded in multiple fields in a substantial, practical, and effective manner.
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Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang and his Chilean counterpart Maya Fernández Allende |
Regarding Vietnam's foreign and defense policies, the Vietnamese Defense Minister affirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation for development, multilateralization, diversification of foreign relations, being a friend, a trustworthy partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community. He also stressed that Vietnam is steadfast in its “Four No's” defense policy to promote peace, self-defense, and protecting the Fatherland early and from afar.
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The two defense ministers sign the first-ever memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation. |
According to Gen. Giang, the bilateral defense cooperation has been paid special attention to by senior leaders of the two sides. He assessed that the establishment of the permanent Defense Attaché Office by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense in Chile in April 2024 and the signing of the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation during this visit would create favorable conditions and a solid foundation for promoting bilateral defense cooperation.
The two ministers exchanged views on regional and international issues and the situations in each country and their militaries. They suggested the two defense ministries explore cooperation in such areas as delegation exchanges at all levels to strengthen mutual understanding and trust and seek cooperation opportunities; enhancement of meetings at multilateral events; training; U.N. peacekeeping activities. They also agreed to consult and support each other at multilateral defense and security mechanisms and forums; foster cooperation in such potential fields as dialogue-consultation, search and rescue, information exchange, military technology, defense industry, logistics, cultural and sports exchange, and military-defense law.
Gen. Giang took the occasion to invite his counterpart Maya Fernández Allende as well as Chilean defense leaders and defense enterprises to attend the second Vietnam International Defense Expo, scheduled to take place in Hanoi in December 2024.
For her part, Minister Maya Fernández Allende expressed confidence that Minister Giang’s first visit to Chile would open up new cooperation opportunities for the two ministries of defense. She agreed with Gen. Giang's assessments and hoped to deepen defense cooperation with Vietnam, contributing to boosting the cooperative relationship between the two nations.
Earlier the same day, the two ministers signed the first-ever memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation between the two defense ministries under the witness of President Luong Cuong and Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font.
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Vietnamese and international delegates join the event. |
Later the same day, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense held a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of foundation day of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the 35th anniversary of Whole-People Defense Festive Day, and announce the official opening of the Vietnamese Defense Attaché’s Office in Chile. The event was attended by President Luong Cuong and Chilean Defense Minister Maya Fernández Allende.
At the event, Gen. Giang recalled the establishment, development, and victory of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) over the past eight decades.
The Vietnamese defense leader also emphasized that the designation of the Whole-People Defense Festive Day on December 22, 1989, was a continuation of the Vietnamese people’s tradition in the struggle against foreign invaders.
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Gen. Phan Van Giang speaks at the event. |
He said that Vietnam is committed to its “four no's” defense policy. Over the past years, the VPA has actively promoted international integration and defense diplomacy bilaterally and multilaterally and achieved practical outcomes. To date, Vietnam has joined numerous regional and international defense and military mechanisms and forums, and established defense cooperation with over 100 countries. The country has opened Defense Attaché Offices in 35 countries and the United Nations, while 42 countries have established Defense Attaché Offices in Vietnam.
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Delegates tour an exhibition on the achievements of the VPA over the past 80 years. |
At the event, Minister Giang formally announced the opening of the Vietnamese Defense Attaché Office in Santiago and asked the office’s staff to thoroughly grasp their functions and missions and be determined to complete all assigned political duties. He urged the office to strictly observe regulation, the host country’s law, and military discipline.
Gen. Giang also requested relevant agencies and units in the Ministry of National Defense to coordinate effectively and guide the Defense Attaché Office to effectively carry out tasks and make recommendations to promote defense cooperation between Vietnam and Chile and other countries.
Reported by Thu Trang (from Santiago, Chile)
Translated by Tran Hoai