Gen. Giang extended congratulations on the 90th foundation anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (December 21, 1935 - 2025) and expressed confidence that the AFP will continue achieving remarkable results, contributing to peace, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world.
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General Phan Van Giang receives Philippine Undersecretary of National Defense Irineo C. Espino. |
He also extended sympathies to the Philippine Government, people, and AFP for the severe losses caused by recent earthquakes and storms, expressing his belief that affected areas will soon recover under the government leadership and military support.
The Vietnamese defense chief stressed that Vietnam and the Philippines are neighboring maritime states sharing many strategic interests. Nearly 50 years after establishing diplomatic relations in 1976, the bilateral relationship has become practical and effective across various fields, especially economy, trade, defense-security, education-training, and people-to-people exchange. He added that leaders of the two nations have affirmed their desire to deepen the partnership for regional and global peace and prosperity.
He congratulated the Philippines on assuming the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026, affirming Vietnam’s support and confidence in their successful tenure, contributing to ASEAN unity and centrality.
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An overview of the reception |
The host highly appreciated recent bilateral defense cooperation results, including delegation exchanges, cooperation mechanisms, personnel training, young officer exchanges, cooperation between services, arms and maritime law enforcement forces, and coordination in ASEAN-led multilateral forums.
He took this chance to express gratitude to the Philippine Department of National Defense for sending high-level delegations to attend the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army, the 35th Whole People’s Defense Festive Day, and the 2nd Vietnam Defense Expo.
For his part, the guest expressed sympathies regarding storm-related damage in Vietnam and reaffirmed that the Philippines treasures its cooperative ties with Vietnam, particularly in defense. He informed the host about the results of the 7th Defense Policy Dialogue and expressed a desire to develop bilateral defense ties in a practical and intensive manner.
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General Phan Van Giang, Irineo C. Espino, and delegates at the meeting |
Speaking highly of the outcomes of the aforementioned dialogue, General Giang suggested both sides continue promoting exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones; optimizing existing cooperation mechanisms, particularly the Defense Policy Dialogue; strengthening consultations between services and arms, young officer exchanges, training cooperation; military medicine; logistics; defense industry; search and rescue operations; cyber security; U.N. peacekeeping; and upholding coordination and mutual support at multilateral defense-security forums during the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship 2026; while maintaining ASEAN’s common stance on regional issues, including the East Sea (aka South China Sea).
Translated by Mai Huong