The dialogue was held in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations (1973 - 2023). It was an important foundation to carry out the bilateral defense cooperation in a practical and effective manner, thus deepening the Vietnam - Canada comprehensive partnership.
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An overview of the dialogue (Photo: VNA) |
At the event, the two head delegates highly appreciated the outcomes of the bilateral defense ties in different areas such as high-level contacts and delegation exchanges, dialogue-consultation, training, U.N. peacekeeping, maritime security, defense industry, management over border and immigration, cooperation at regional and global multilateral forums.
The two sides agreed to strengthen the defense cooperation relations according to the signed documents and agreements with a focus on exchange of delegations; upholding efficiency of the dialogue-consultation mechanisms; promoting the effectiveness and quality of personnel training cooperation, particularly for law enforcement at sea and border security protection forces; furthering the cooperation in peacekeeping operations; consulting with and supporting each other at regional and global security forums, contributing to peace, stability and development in the region and the world.
Both sides shared views on regional and global situations of shared concern. The Canadian side highly praised ASEAN and Vietnam’s role and status, voiced support to ASEAN’s centrality in the grouping-led mechanisms, as well as confirmed the importance of ensuring safety, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea (South China Sea).
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Deputy Defense Minister Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (right) presents a souvenir to Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defense Bill Matthews. |
Gen. Chien underlined that Vietnam is persistent with the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship; multilateralism, diversification; has pursued a “Four Nos” defense policy; is consistent in resolving all disagreements by peaceful means on the basis of international laws, including U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.
The deputy defense minister of Vietnam invited Mr. Bill Matthews, other leaders of the Canadian Department of National Defense, and defense enterprises to visit Vietnam and take part in the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.
At the end of the dialogue, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in U.N. peacekeeping operations and the 2024-2026 cooperation plan.
* Earlier on September 20, General Wayne Donald Eyre, Chief of the Defense Staff of Canada met with the high-ranking Vietnamese military delegation, led by Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien.
At the meeting, General Wayne Donald Eyre spoke highly of Vietnam’s position in Canada’s foreign policy in the region and confirmed that in his position, he will continue to create conditions to bolster the bilateral defense ties in the coming time, with priority given to cooperation in training and U.N. peacekeeping.
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Deputy Defense Minister Sr. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien presents a souvenir to General Wayne Donald Eyre. |
For his part, Gen. Chien affirmed that in its foreign policy, Vietnam always treasures the position of Canada. The Vietnamese general evaluated that the bilateral defense ties have been carried out substantively in accordance with the two sides’ signed agreements and documents.
Given that there is much room for the bilateral defense cooperation to develop, Gen. Chien suggested leaders of the Department of National Defense and armed forces of Canada continue to pay attention to and support the implementation of the cooperation fields.
Also in Canada, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Vietnamese Embassy in Canada and the Vietnam House of the embassy.
Source: VNA
Translated by Mai Huong