During the talks, the Vietnamese Defense Minister emphasized that the visit of the President of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency held great significance as it represented an active and effective step in implementing the commitment to strengthening defense industry cooperation, as agreed upon by the senior leaders of the two countries in the Vietnam - Turkey Joint Statement during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Turkey in November, 2023. He affirmed that over nearly five decades of diplomatic relations, the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Turkey have been continuously consolidated and developed. The potential for cooperation between the two countries remains huge, particularly in the field of defense.
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Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang and President of Turkish Defense Industry Agency Haluk Gorgun |
General Phan Van Giang underscored that Vietnam consistently pursues its defense policy of “Four No's.” Vietnam wishes to expand bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation on the basis of equality, mutual respect for shared interests, thereby contributing to the maintenance of peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Vietnam advocates multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations, ensuring equality and mutual benefit with all partners, including Turkey. The acquisition of defense equipment from Turkey or any other country serves solely to enhance Vietnam’s self-defense capability to protect the Fatherland and safeguard peace. Vietnam attaches great importance to international cooperation in defense industry, with the goal of achieving greater autonomy in the production of military equipment.
According to General Giang, defense industry cooperation between Vietnam and Turkey has been actively promoted in recent years, achieving many positive outcomes. Both sides worked together to draft and sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry Cooperation in July 2025, creating a framework for further promotion and enhancement of cooperation in line with each side’s needs and capabilities. Based on this MoU, the Vietnamese defense leader proposed that the two sides continue to work together and make bilateral defense industry cooperation more substantive, focusing on exchanging delegations at all levels; sharing and updating information, legal frameworks, and procurement policies related to defense products; and supporting and participating in defense exhibitions hosted by each side.
The General affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense stands ready to support and facilitate Turkish defense industry enterprises in establishing contact and exchanges with Vietnamese defense agencies and units, to introduce their products and explore cooperation areas suitable to the needs and capacities of both sides.
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General Phan Van Giang (first from left) at the talks |
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President of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency Haluk Gorgun (first from right) at the talks |
On this occasion, General Phan Van Giang thanked Haluk Gorgun for twice sending representatives of the Turkish defense industry agency and Turkish defense companies to attend the Vietnam Defense Expo in 2022 and 2024. He expressed hope that Haluk Gorgun, along with the Turkish Ministry of Defense and defense industry enterprises, would continue to support Vietnam in organizing the third edition of the Defense Expo, scheduled for 2026.
Haluk Gorgun extended his sympathy to Vietnam over the losses of life and property caused by the recent severe storms. He affirmed that his visit demonstrated Turkey’s strong commitment to advancing bilateral cooperation, expressing hope that in the coming time, Turkey and Vietnam will continue to consolidate and further strengthen their bilateral partnership while actively exploring new potential areas of collaboration.
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General Phan Van Giang presents a souvenir to President of Turkish Defense Industry Agency Haluk Gorgun. |
The guest emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Industry Cooperation signed in July 2025 reflects the trust between the two sides and serves as an important foundation for bilateral cooperation in this field, affirming that defense industry cooperation plays a vital role in Turkey - Vietnam relations.
Translated by Tran Hoai