Vietnam, UAE give priority to substantive defense cooperation

At the meeting, the host expressed gratitude to the Ministry of National Defense of Vietnam for sending a delegation to attend the Dubai Airshow and the DIACC. He stressed that the events offered opportunities for the two sides to exchange views and strengthen defense cooperation.

At the meeting

Gen. Chien congratulated the UAE on the successful organization of the two aforementioned events, saying they once again underscored the UAE’s position as a leading aviation and defense-industry hub in the region and the world, demonstrating the country's strategic vision, professional organization and strong international reputation.

The two sides highly praised the positive progress in bilateral defense ties in recent years, particularly in all-level delegation exchange, active participation in each other’s defense exhibitions, and collaboration through conferences and workshops.

The Vietnamese defense leader suggested the two ministries enhance defense consultations and consider launching a deputy minister-level defense policy dialogue. He also proposed accelerating the signing of a memorandum of understanding on defense industry cooperation, and expanding collaboration between the General Department of Defense Industry and Viettel Group of Vietnam with major defense-industry corporations of the UAE. He asked the UAE Ministry of Defense to hasten the establishment of a Vietnamese Defense Attaché Office in the UAE.

Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien (left) and Undersecretary of UAE's Ministry of Defense Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Al-Alawi

On this occasion, Gen. Chien invited his host and the UAE Minister of State for Defense to visit Vietnam and attend the third Vietnam Defense Expo, slated for late 2026 in Hanoi.

The UAE defense leader welcomed Gen. Chien's suggestions and affirmed that the UAE would actively work to actualize the areas of cooperation discussed.

Earlier, Gen. Chien paid a courtesy call on UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Translated by Song Anh