Gen. Giang emphasized that the presence of the distinguished guests and the participation of defense industry groups, corporations, enterprises and establishments of countries from all over the world in the Expo is valuable, contributing to the success of this second edition.
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Gen. Phan Van Giang speaks at the reception |
He stressed that Vietnam is consistent with the foreign policy of peace, friendship, cooperation, development, strives to build strong national defense to firmly safeguard independence, territorial integrity, and interests of the nation and implement noble international duties. He added that the Vietnamese Defense Ministry’s policy is to develop a modern, pro-active, self-reliant, dual-use, internationally integrated defense industry. In addition, the Vietnamese Ministry wishes to make contribution to peace, prosperity, cooperation and common development in the region and the world.
Highlighting the significance of the Expo, Gen. Giang said that it not only helps enhance defense industry cooperation between Vietnam and other countries, but also creates conditions for participating forces to exchange, boost mutual understanding and trust, fostering their partnership in national defense. Cooperation in defense industry would help improve their defense capabilities and collaboration to deal with common security challenges in alignment with the fundamental principles of international law, he said.
The Vietnamese defense chief hoped that participating defense enterprises would pro-actively exchange ideas and possible cooperation projects, particularly those in joint production of dual-use and modern products that meet regional and global markets’ demands.
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Leaders of foreign Defense Ministries and militaries joining the opening ceremony of the Expo |
He said Vietnam welcomes foreign defense industry groups and enterprises to give suggestions to the Vietnamese Defense Ministry and government on measures to build mechanisms, create favorable conditions for further cooperative ties between Vietnam and their countries, thereby promoting practical cooperation in the time to come.
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Lao Minister of National Defense Sr. Lt. Gen. Khamlieng Uthakayxon (left) congratulates Vietnam on hosting the event. |
On behalf of the guests, Lao Minister of National Defense Sr. Lt. Gen. Khamlieng Uthakayxon congratulated the Vietnamese Ministry on hosting the Expo, saying that this event brings about both values and opportunities for defense industry sectors in the region and the world to learn from each other’s technological advancements, exchange information and seek cooperation chances. He also underlined that the Expo gathered leaders of foreign armed forces and military and defense fields to boost trust for peace, friendship and prosperity.
Impressed with the opening ceremony of the Expo, Major General Pehin Halbi, the second Minister of Defense of Brunei Darussalam emphasized Brunei’s commitment to cooperating with other countries to maintain peace in ASEAN. He expressed his hope to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam, other ASEAN member states and other foreign countries.
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General Phan Van Giang and foreign leaders in a group photo |
First visiting Vietnam in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Thailand, Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai shared that he took this chance to learn more about Vietnam, boost understanding and exchange of experience to develop the ties in defense areas.
Translated by Mai Huong