Vietnam promotes defense cooperation with Sweden and Algeria

During a reception for Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi, General Phan Van Giang affirmed that Vietnam regards Sweden as a key Northern European partner. He welcomed the positive development of bilateral relations, notably the strategic partnership in science, technology, and innovation established in June 2025.

Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang (right) receives Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi.

General Phan Van Giang highly valued Vietnam-Sweden defense cooperation in industry and telecommunications. Noting the vast potential for further ties, he urged Ambassador Ndisi to facilitate coordination between the two defense ministries. Priorities include high-level delegation exchanges, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a legal cooperation framework, training, and defense industry collaboration. The General also invited Swedish personnel to study Vietnamese and attend international courses at local military academies.

General Phan Van Giang and Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam Johan Ndisi at the reception

Meeting Algerian Ambassador Azeddine Bechka, General Phan Van Giang highlighted the traditional friendship and mutual support between the two nations. Since upgrading ties to a strategic partnership in November 2025, bilateral relations have gained significant momentum. Defense ties have yielded positive results in training and exchanges, with Algeria being one of two African nations where Vietnam maintains a resident Defense Attaché Office.

General Phan Van Giang and Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Azeddine Bechka at the reception

General Phan Van Giang hoped Ambassador Bechka would support future coordination, including high-level exchanges, signing a defense MoU, and cooperating in training, historical research, logistics, and technical support. He also sought mutual support at international security forums.

General Phan Van Giang presents a souvenir to Algerian Ambassador to Vietnam Azeddine Bechka.

On this occasion, the General invited defense leaders and enterprises from both Sweden and Algeria to the third Vietnam Defense Expo in Hanoi in December 2026.

Ambassadors Johan Ndisi and Azeddine Bechka congratulated General Phan Van Giang on his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense. They praised Vietnam’s achievements and pledged to work closely with the Ministry of National Defense to enhance substantive defense ties.

Translated by Chung Anh