At the talks, the Vietnamese defense leader emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1978, the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Türkiye have steadily developed. He highlighted that the potential for cooperation remains vast, particularly in defense.
During the talks, both sides exchanged views on global and regional developments and issues of mutual concern. The Vietnamese Defense Minister reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, and multilateralization, diversification of external relations, Vietnam’s “four no's” defense policy, and its consistent stance on settling disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, commitments such as the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (aka South China Sea) and support for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea in line with international law.
    |
 |
|
General Phan Van Giang speaks at the talks. |
|
|
 |
|
General Phan Van Giang (third from left) and members of the Vietnamese delegation at the talks |
General Giang noted that bilateral defense cooperation has made encouraging progress. He appreciated the coordination and efforts of both sides in establishing defense attaché offices in each country, describing this as an important step in deepening defense ties.
Looking ahead, the two ministers agreed to continue promoting delegation exchanges, expand cooperation in training, defense industry, and U.N. peacekeeping, support each other at multilateral forums; explore cooperation and experience-sharing in additional fields such as navy, air force, cybersecurity, non-traditional security challenges, military engineering, and mine clearance.
General Giang thanked Minister Guler for attending the Vietnam Defense Expo 2024, contributing to the event’s success. He affirmed that Vietnamese MND is ready to welcome Turkish defense enterprises, particularly those affiliated with Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense, to future exhibitions in Vietnam.
|
|
 |
|
Minister Yasar Guler at the event |
|
|
 |
|
Minister Yasar Guler (third from right) and members of the Turkish delegation |
For his part, Minister Guler expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. He congratulated Vietnam on the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), and extended condolences over losses caused by recent natural disasters. He affirmed that Vietnam is an important partner of Türkiye in the Asia-Pacific region. Stressing that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to Türkiye in November 2023 had created strong momentum for bilateral ties, he expressed hope to further enhance cooperation across all fields, including defense.
|
|
 |
|
General Phan Van Giang and Minister Yasar Guler exchange souvenirs. |
Minister Guler believed that his visit to Vietnam would significantly contribute to advancing bilateral relations, praising the two sides’ efforts in advancing the establishment of permanent defense attaché offices in each country.
Earlier the same day, the Turkish delegation laid wreaths at the Monument to Heroic Martyrs and at President Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum.
Translated by Tran Hoai