At the dialogue, the two sides exchanged regional and global issues of mutual concern with a focus on defense and security challenges to the two countries and the ASEAN Community, such as competition among major powers, the East Sea (South China Sea) issue, and non-traditional security challenges. They agreed that ASEAN should maintain intra-bloc solidarity and its central role in the regional security architecture while promoting the role and responsibility of partners.

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At the dialogue. (Photo: VNA)

Regarding bilateral defense relation, the two sides expressed delight at the strong development of relations between the two defense ministries in particular and militaries in general in different fields, especially in high-level delegation exchange, training, information sharing and cooperation between arms and services.

They agreed to effectively promote the current dialogue mechanism, realize cooperation contents in a practical and effective manner and build a three-year cooperation plan to carry out collaborating services in the coming time.

Earlier, General Vinh paid a courtesy visit on Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen. At the reception, the Singaporean host lauded the two defense ministries for well maintaining the deputy ministerial-level defense policy dialogue which is seen as the most important mechanism to evaluate the outcomes of defense cooperation between the two countries as well as to develop orientations and measures to foster defense cooperation in the coming time.

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Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen (R) receiving Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh. (Photo: VNA)

The two sides were pleased at the outcomes of bilateral defense cooperation over the past time, especially high-level delegation exchanges, training, information sharing and cooperation between arms and services. The host affirmed that cooperation in defense has made great contribution to strengthening political trust and deepening the Vietnam-Singapore strategic partnership. He also thanked the Vietnam Ministry of National Defense’s support for the country to fulfill its duty as the ASEAN Chair in 2018.

For his part, General Vinh thanked the host for the reception and extended Vietnamese Defense Minister, General Ngo Xuan Lich’s wishes to him. He also congratulated Singapore on successfully fulfilling its responsibility as the chair of ASEAN 2018 and stressed that Vietnam wants to strengthen defense cooperation with Singapore for peace, stability and development in the region and the world as a whole.

Translated by Tran Hoai