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Vietnamese and foreign delegates at the opening ceremony |
The event was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang, Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Luong Tam Quang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong, Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Defense Minister General Nguyen Tan Cuong.
Among the international guests were Lao Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Cambodia General Tea Seiha, Minister of Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces Three-star General Álvaro López Miera, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense of Belarus Lieutenant General Khrenin Viktor Gennadievic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Thailand Phumtham Wechayachai, Second Minister of Defense of Brunei Major General Pehin Datu Lailaraja Dato Paduka Seri Haji Halbi, and Minister of National Defense of Mongolia Byambatsogt Sandag.
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Artistic performances at the event |
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the significance of the expo. He said that the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 holds special significance as an outstanding international event embodying the spirit of "Peace, Cooperation for development." It contributes to promoting foreign relations and defense cooperation across all fields, fostering peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
The Vietnamese leader added that Vietnam is a peace-loving country that values honor, compassion, and justice in international cooperation. The country upholds a consistent foreign policy of "independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification of relations"; "being a good friend, a reliable partner with all countries, and an active, responsible member of the international community.” According to him, Vietnam proactively expands foreign relations and defense cooperation to enhance friendship and mutual understanding, show sincerity, and build trust, jointly address common security and safety challenges, and prevent conflicts and war, in line with the fundamental principles of international law, thus contributing to peace, prosperity, cooperation and common development in the region and the world.
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A view of the national flag-saluting ceremony |
“Having endured pain, sacrifice, and loss due to war, Vietnam understands and appreciates the value of friendship for peace, cooperation, and development. Vietnam firmly adheres to the “four no's” defense policy of "no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases or use of Vietnamese territory against other countries, and no use of force or threat to use force in international relations,” PM Pham Minh Chinh added.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the event. |
He highlighted the expo as a testament to Vietnam's role and contribution to international defense cooperation. It stands as a symbol of trust, respect, and goodwill among nations working together for a peaceful and prosperous world. The expo is a vivid testimony of the support and heartfelt sentiment of international friends towards the country of Vietnam, its people, and the Vietnam People's Army - the heroic military of a heroic nation that consistently demonstrates sincerity, trust and responsibility to international friends.
With the participation of 66 international delegations and more than 240 defense industry enterprises from 49 countries, the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 highlights Vietnam's esteemed reputation and expertise in hosting defense exhibitions. This event serves as an occasion for participants to strengthen relations and provides Vietnam with a unique opportunity to welcome and express thanks to international friends, share its rich culture, arts, food and present the Vietnamese people and nation that is resilient and brave in defending the country, but peace-loving, hard-working, creative, friendly, and hospitable.
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Delegates press the button to kick off the event. |
Concluding the speech, he strongly believed that the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 will be a great success, providing numerous opportunities for networking, experience sharing, and the exchange of scientific and technological advancements, innovation, and digital transformation while promoting military trade and paving the way for a promising future of cooperation, in line with the spirit of "Peace, Friendship, Cooperation for Mutual Development."
In the welcome letter, the Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang stressed that the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 is a key event that realizes the policy of comprehensive and intensive international integration across the board, enhancement of defense diplomacy, and expansion of cooperation with countries around the globe.
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Performance of Su30-MK2 formation to welcome the event |
He added that the expo serves as a platform for defense industry stakeholders to explore partnership opportunities in research and development, trade and technology transfer. Through seminars and bilateral engagements, the event will contribute to fostering mutual understanding, strengthening trust, and promoting practical cooperation in line with needs and strengths of participants. All together, these efforts contribute to global peace and stability, resonating the expo’s theme: “Peace, Friendship, Cooperation for Mutual Development.”
On behalf of the organizing panel, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, in the welcome letter, emphasized that the second edition is organized with the expectation of building an icon for international cooperation; a place to introduce state-of-the-art defense technology achievements, where shared ideas and common values shape new trends in the field of defense and security; a starting point for strong cooperation, together creating a peaceful, safe and prosperous future.
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Performances of the commando force |
He emphasized that the defense industry products and new technology solutions brought to this edition are vivid images of the creativity and tireless dedication of the world's leading scientists, engineers, and defense experts. These will be new opportunities for exchange, cooperation and development, promoting progress in the fields of defense and security, contributing to enhancing understanding in the joint efforts to build and protect regional and global peace and stability.
After the opening speech of the Prime Minister, domestic and international delegates pressed the button to officially open the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.
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Service dog and its handler in a performance |
At the event, both local and international guests enjoyed a grand and impressive opening program, featuring a total of over 2,000 officers, soldiers, artists, and performers. The program was meticulously organized and staged, highlighting the message of "Peace, Friendship, Cooperation for Mutual Development." Highlights of the opening ceremony was an impressive aerial display by Su-30MK2 fighter jets and Mi helicopters performed by the air force troops; a special artistic performance featuring themes "Vietnamese bamboo," “Vietnam: landscape and people,” “Colorful Vietnam” and “Aspiration for peace-Connecting five continents;” martial arts demonstrations by the commando force; and a performance of service dogs.
Translated by Tran Hoai