At the meeting, General Phan Van Giang affirmed that Viet Nam has always regarded the E.U. as an important strategic partner in the country’s international integration and socio-economic development. Following the successful official visit to Viet Nam by European Council President Antonio Costa in January 2026, and the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the official visit to the E.U. by General Secretary and State President To Lam last October underscored Viet Nam’s strong commitment to developing relations with the E.U. across all fields, including defense cooperation and the defense industry.
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General Phan Van Giang receives Mr. Noel Clehane. |
The Vietnamese defense chief emphasized that Viet Nam-E.U. defense cooperation has been carried out in line with the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with notable progress in defense industry, high technology, aerospace, and military medicine, among other areas. Viet Nam aims to build and develop an independent, self-reliant, dual-use, and modern defense industry, making it a leading sector of the national industry to safeguard independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. The country also pursues a policy of multilateralization, diversification, equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with all partners, including European countries.
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An overview of the reception |
In military medicine, he called on both sides to enhance cooperation in training, exchanges, and sharing professional experience in search and rescue and response to disease outbreaks, affirming that the Ministry of National Defense of Viet Nam always facilitates cooperation with partners that demonstrate goodwill, capability, and a long-term commitment.
General Phan Van Giang hoped that European businesses would be ready to cooperate in transferring core technologies and supporting the training of highly skilled personnel, helping Viet Nam strengthen its domestic self-reliance.
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General Phan Van Giang presents a gift to Mr. Noel Clehane. |
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Delegates in a joint photo |
For his part, Noel Clehane thanked General Phan Van Giang for receiving the delegation. He noted that the visit and working trip came at an important time, following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening up opportunities for cooperation not only in the economy, trade, and investment, but also in defense and security.
Noel Clehane emphasized that the European business community wished to promote cooperation with Viet Nam across various fields, thereby contributing to the country’s development. He also expressed his hope that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense would support and facilitate European businesses’ investment and operations in Viet Nam.
Translated by Quynh Oanh