In the interview, the professor noted that defense relations activities over the past time have made remarkable contributions to peace, stability, and security in the region and the world, helping Vietnam realize its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, multi-lateralization and diversification of relations. One of the outstanding activities is the participation of Vietnam in U.N. peacekeeping operations, for which former U.N. Secretary General expressed his great admiration. Prof. Minh also reviewed the active engagement of Vietnam in ASEAN activities, which have shown that the defense relations work of Vietnam has increasingly developed, including activities involving both bilateral and multilateral spheres. Vietnam’s defense relations covering various areas such as delegation exchanges, responses to traditional and non-traditional security challenges, and more.
Prof. Minh stressed that the visits paid by senior defense officials from other countries, such as the U.K., the U.S, and China to Vietnam and increased bilateral and multilateral defense relations activities were not a set of coincidence, but came from an increasingly important position of Vietnam in regional defense and security structures. Moreover, defense and security cooperation has become increasingly important in dealing with both traditional and non-traditional security issues.
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Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Minh |
Therefore, the important position of Vietnam serves as an opportunity for the country’s development and international integration. Vietnam is persistent with its foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, but never fails to seize opportunities for development. By enhancing cooperation, Vietnam can heighten its capabilities in its national construction and defense cause while contributing to regional peace and stability.
Concerning the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Llyod Austin to Vietnam, Prof. Minh put it, “The visit of the U.S. Secretary of Defense shows that the Biden administration is clearly aware of the importance of Southeast Asia in general and Vietnam in particular. For the past 35 years, Vietnam has successfully implemented its foreign policy of independence and self-reliance. I think the U.S. highly values this stance of Vietnam and considers Vietnam a reliable partner. Vietnam’s foreign policy also affirms that it will never cooperate with a partner that does not respect its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principle of equality and mutual benefit.”
Answering a question about the settlement of war legacy, the professor stressed that this has always been a topic of concern in the bilateral relationship between Vietnam and the U.S. and cooperation in this field has seen remarkable progress in recent years.
This is also an area where the two sides can certainly continue to cooperate for the sake of Vietnam’s sustainable development. However, “the two sides should not let the ‘the ghost from the past’ hinder current and future cooperation opportunities,” said Minh.
Interviewed by Van Duyen
Translated by Huu Duong