During the meeting, General Phan Van Giang emphasized the special significance of the visit, which marked the first state visit by the head of the Communist Party of Viet Nam since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1971. The visit also coincided with the 55th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations. With the two countries having upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both ministers expressed confidence that the visit would open a new phase of cooperation and provide fresh momentum for the bilateral relations across various fields, including defense.
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Delegates pose for a group photo. |
General Phan Van Giang affirmed that bilateral defense cooperation had considerable potential and room for growth and should be further promoted in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and Denmark.
He expressed his hope that Denmark would serve as a bridge and support Viet Nam in strengthening cooperation with the European Union (E.U.) and its member states, in accordance with the Viet Nam-E.U. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Framework Participation Agreement (FPA), signed in 2019, establishing the framework for Viet Nam’s participation in E.U. crisis management operations. Viet Nam stands ready to serve as a reliable bridge to help Denmark strengthen cooperation with ASEAN member states.
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An overview of the meeting |
Danish Minister of Defense Jeppe Bruus Christensen thanked General Phan Van Giang for inviting him and Danish defense industry companies to Viet Nam to attend the Viet Nam Defense Expo, scheduled for December 10-13.
He stressed that the two sides should further expand defense cooperation in the coming period, particularly in the defense industry, science, and technology.
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General Phan Van Giang at the meeting |
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Danish Minister of Defense Jeppe Bruus Christensen (left) and members of the Danish delegation at the meeting |
During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the global and regional situation and issues of mutual concern. Regarding the East Sea (also known as South China Sea), they agreed that disputes should be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. They also expressed support for negotiations and signing of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (aka South China Sea) that complies with international law.
Both sides agreed to promote exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, to strengthen mutual understanding. They also agreed to explore potential areas of cooperation, including U.N. peacekeeping, cooperation between services and arms, civil defense, disaster response, search and rescue, post-war recovery, and responses to non-traditional security challenges.
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General Phan Van Giang presents a souvenir to Danish Minister of Defense Jeppe Bruus Christensen. |
The two sides also agreed to study the possibility of appointing resident or nonresident defense attachés in each other’s countries in the coming period to facilitate bilateral defense cooperation. They will also begin studying the establishment of a defense cooperation consultation group, with a view to eventually establishing a deputy minister-level Defense Policy Dialogue.
In addition, the two sides agreed to work toward signing a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation between their respective defense ministries, establishing a solid foundation for effective and substantive cooperation tailored to each side’s needs and capabilities.
Translated by Tran Hoai