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Vietnamese and South African delegates at the dialogue having a joint photo taken

In his welcome speech, Dr. Sam Makhudu Gulube highlighted the developing ties between the two countries in different fields, adding that the bilateral defense cooperation has achieved positive results since the first dialogue in 2015 thanks to great efforts of the two sides and on the basis of the memorandum of understanding inked in 2006.

At the meeting, the South African official reiterated the Government of South Africa’s backing of both countries’ defense industry cooperation. He said that academies and schools of the South African military are ready to train Vietnamese military students.

He also informed the guest of the country, its defense policy and military’s activities.

For his part, Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh gave a briefing on the security situation of the Asia-Pacific region which has drawn attention worldwide in recent years. He also stressed that peace, cooperation and development are the main trends in the region although the region has also faced a number of security challenges, such as the gap between the rich and the poor, territorial disputes, and other non-traditional security challenges. Moreover, the region remains a place for strong powers to compete with each other, resulting in instability and an arms race.

In terms of the East Sea (South China Sea), Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh confirmed Vietnam’s standpoint that all disputes must be addressed in a peaceful manner and on the basis of international law. he also affirmed that Vietnam supports the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Korean Peninsula.

General Vinh also presented Vietnam’s defense policy of peace and self-defense.

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Dr. Sam Makhudu Gulube (R), Secretary for Defense and Military Veterans of South Africa presenting a gift to Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh
Regarding the bilateral defense ties, the Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defense said that there is still much room for development of bilateral defense ties although the results of bilateral cooperation were satisfactory. To tap all cooperation potentials, Vinh suggested the two sides promote effective cooperation mechanisms.

Vinh also emphasized that South Africa is an important partner of Vietnam in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations, and that Vietnam attaches much importance to its defense industry cooperation and logistics, military medical and training cooperation with South Africa.

Vietnam is ready to train South African personnel for Vietnamese language and welcome them to participate in high-level defense courses hosted by the National Defense Academy of Vietnam.

Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh conveyed the invitation from the Minister of National Defense, General Ngo Xuan Lich to the South African Minister of Defense and Military Veterans to visit Vietnam this year during the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-South Africa diplomatic ties.

Vinh also agreed with the South African Secretary for Defense and Military Veterans on organizing a mid-term conference to review the implementation of bilateral defense cooperation plans and invited him and South African delegations to the conference to be hosted by Vietnam later this year.

By Bao Trung, from Pretoria, South Africa

Translated by Mai Huong