During the meeting, General Giang expressed his satisfaction at the strong and effective development of Vietnam - UAE relations across numerous fields, including politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, investment, and labor. The UAE is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. The elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership has established a strong political foundation for expanding cooperation in all areas, including defense.
    |
 |
|
General Phan Van Giang welcomes visiting Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi. |
The Vietnamese defense chief affirmed that the Government, the MND, and the Vietnam People's Army attach great importance to strengthening friendship and cooperation with the Government, the Ministry of Defense, and the Armed Forces of the UAE, in line with the legitimate interests of the two peoples and for the sake of peace, stability, cooperation, and development in each country, the regions, and the world. In this regard, defense cooperation plays an important role in strengthening mutual trust and further advancing Vietnam - UAE relations.
|
|
 |
|
General Phan Van Giang talks to Lieutenant General Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi. |
He also highly appreciated the positive development in bilateral defense ties. He recalled the two visits to the UAE by Vietnam’s MND leaders, including the participation in the Dubai Airshow 2025. He emphasized that the two defense ministries’ signing of a letter of intent on defense cooperation on that occasion provided a solid basis for promoting bilateral defense ties to new heights in accordance with the common understandings reached by the senior leaders of both countries and commensurate with the Vietnam - UAE comprehensive partnership.
|
|
 |
|
An overview of the reception |
He hoped that both sides would continue to promote practical and effective defense cooperation, focusing on delegation exchanges, training, United Nations peacekeeping, military medicine, logistics, response to non-traditional security challenges. He also suggested the two sides explore the establishment of bilateral defense dialogue and consultation mechanisms, and enhance consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and during activities hosted by either side.
On this occasion, General Giang invited leaders of the UAE Ministry of Defense, UAE defense industry groups and companies to attend the third Vietnam Defense Expo, slated for December this year in Hanoi.
For his part, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Nasser Mohammed Al Alawi spoke highly of Vietnam’s increasing role and standing internationally, and the growing Vietnam - UAE comprehensive partnership.
The UAE official expressed confidence that, on the basis of the two countries’ similarities, bilateral relations and bilateral defense cooperation would continue to reach new heights.
Translated by Song Anh