The third dialogue held important significance since it took place in the context that the two countries are organizing many activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties (1973 – 2023) and ten years since the two countries upgraded their bilateral relations to strategic partnership (2013 - 2023). The event was an opportunity for the two sides to evaluate the outcomes of bilateral defense cooperation over the past time and shared views about international and regional issues of mutual concern, thus discussing and reaching orientation for future cooperation to develop the bilateral defense ties in substantial and effective manner and in line with the strategic partnership.
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An overview of the dialogue |
At the event, the heads of the delegations evaluated that since the second dialogue in April 2022, the bilateral defense cooperation has been continuously consolidated and strengthened in a practical and effective direction and consistent with signed cooperation documents and agreements, especially the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-France defense cooperation for the 2018 – 2028 period and the Framework Agreement on Vietnam-France defense cooperation.
The two sides' agencies and units have closely coordinated, actively reviewed, and effectively implemented cooperative activities set in the Vietnam-France defense cooperation program and obtained outstanding achievements. In particular, meetings and delegation exchanges have been maintained, contributing to boosting mutual understanding, consolidating trust, and enhancing the effectiveness of cooperation. In addition, the two sides have well maintained mechanisms of strategic dialogue, consultation, and military cooperation; improved the legal framework for cooperation; actively, pro-actively, and effectively implemented collaboration in the education, training and peacekeeping fields; coordinated and supported each other at regional and global security forums.
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Delegates in a joint photo |
According to General Chien, the two sides have coordinated to make a reportage about Vietnamese students at the French Naval Academy and publish a handbook of Vietnam-France military terms. He said that these activities held practical meaning, creating motivation for teaching and learning French in the military as well as supporting Vietnamese officers in preparing to participate in U.N. peacekeeping operations in French-speaking countries. This was also proof of the existing good friendship between the two defense ministries, contributing to marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10 years of the Vietnam-France Strategic Partnership.
Within the framework of the dialogue, the heads of the two delegations heard working groups’ reports on the outcomes of the group meetings and expressed the delight that the bilateral defense ties have been carried out in the right direction. The head of the French delegation affirmed that the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and France is a typical example in foreign relations between countries around the world and added that France wishes to continue the close and sustainable cooperation in the role as a reliable and effective partner of Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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The heads of the two delegations introduce the French-Vietnamese Military Terminology Handbook. |
Regarding orientations for future cooperation, the two sides agreed to continue to promote the bilateral defense cooperation in a practical and effective manner, focusing on increasing exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially at the high level, maintaining and promoting the effectiveness of the strategic dialogue mechanism and cooperation in defense and U.N. peacekeeping, considering the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and training, and strengthening cooperation in military medicine, hydrography, maritime security, cyber-security, anti-terrorism, and overcoming legacy. The two sides agreed to cooperate and support each other at regional and international multilateral forums.
At the dialogue, the two sides also shared their views on the global and regional situations of shared concern, highly valued the role of the region and ASEAN-led mechanisms. The head of the Vietnamese delegation emphasized that Vietnam consistently follows the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, multilateralization and diversification of ties, and the defense policy of "four nos".
Regarding the East Sea (South China Sea) issue, General Chien said that Vietnam's consistent stance is that disagreements should be resolved by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
On this occasion, the Vietnamese deputy defense minister invited leaders of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, Director General for International Relations and Strategy Rufo, and defense enterprises to attend the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.
At the end of the dialogue, the heads of the two delegations signed the minutes of the dialogue and introduced the French-Vietnamese Military Terminology Handbook.
Translated by Tran Hoai