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Vietnamese delegation at the dialogue |
At the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on regional and global security issues. They emphasized the importance of maintaining maritime and aviation security, freedom, as well as of addressing disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) and regional commitments.
They agreed that in this current context, ASEAN, including ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM Plus, is playing an increasingly vital role, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
Regarding the bilateral defense cooperation, they agreed that the defense ties have been maintained via online discussions. In the coming time, amid the complicated development of the COVID-19, the two sides should have flexible and creative approaches to maintaining and effectively organizing dialogue mechanisms, especially the deputy ministerial level defense policy dialogue, and sharing experience and expertise in military medicine, search and rescue, personnel training and navy-related activities.
To develop the bilateral defense ties in a practical and effective manner, the two sides agreed to sign a bilateral defense ties agreement to replace the agreement signed by the two governments in 2009 and assigned relevant units to double-check its contents and complete all necessary procedures for the early signing in the time to come.
The same day, Gen. Vinh paid a courtesy call to Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen, during which the host stressed that Vietnam is the first ASEAN member state to send a high-ranking defense delegation to Singapore since the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Singaporean Defense Minister also highlighted the 11th defense policy dialogue, saying that its success practically contributed to enhancing the relations between the two countries and two militaries.
Delighted at the good outcomes of the bilateral defense cooperation in the past time, Minister Ng Eng Hen said that there remains room for the two sides to develop their ties. Therefore, it needs to consider expanding cooperation areas that meet the demands of each side.
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Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh and Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen |
The host also highly valued Vietnam as ASEAN Chair 2020 and confirmed that the Singaporean Defense Ministry will continue to work closely with and support Vietnam in fulfilling its role.
For his part, Gen. Vinh underlined that the fruitful ties and mutual understanding and trust between the two countries have laid a firm foundation for the bilateral defense cooperation to develop effectively and practically.
On the occasion, the Vietnamese defense chief thanked the Singaporean Defense Ministry and Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen for backing Vietnam in performing its role of ASEAN Chair 2020. He wished to enhance the substantial defense ties with Singapore for regional peace, stability and development.
He also thanked the host for a warm reception and ensuring safety and good health for the Vietnamese delegation from COVID-19 during their visit to Singapore.
Translated by Mai Huong