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Singaporean Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen speaking at the opening ceremony |
Vietnamese defense attaché to Singapore Senior Colonel Tran Hoai Nam also attended the event.
The IMDEX 2023 welcomed 47 commanders and heads of naval, coast guard, and maritime law enforcement forces from more than 40 countries in the region and the world. The third edition also attracted 250 enterprises from 25 nations around the globe to show their latest products and technologies in the fields of defense and navigation, including autonomous systems, unmanned systems, artificial intelligence solutions, ship designs, energy solutions, and digital systems, among others.
Of the participating countries, Denmark, Italy, and the U.S. have for the first time sent businesses to the IMDEX. In this year’s edition, the host Singapore has 15 pavilions, showcasing equipment, engines, and digital systems for naval and specialized forces.
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Vietnamese delegates touring IMDEX 2023 |
At the exhibition, visitors and traders have the opportunity to learn about products, attend technical seminars on navigation solutions and unmanned equipment, and visit 22 warships from 13 countries, including the Italian Ship ITS Francesco Morosini which has been introduced to the IMDEX for the first time.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Singaporean Minister of Defense Ng Eng Hen affirmed that apart from commercial values, the exhibition provided an important platform to maintain and enhance regional stability and security. That is the reason why the exhibition attracts the active participation of leaders and military commanders of countries. He called on participants to make use of the event to promote cooperation and consensus and strengthen mutual understanding, contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
During the exhibition, the Vietnamese delegation visited participating companies’ pavilions. On the occasion, Rear Admiral Nguyen Dinh Hung paid a courtesy call on Rear Admiral Edwin Leong, Chief of Staff of the Singaporean Navy.
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Rear Admiral Aaron Beng visiting Vietnam’s frigate 015 - Tran Hung Dao |
The same day, Rear Admiral Aaron Beng, Singapore’s Chief of Defense Force, visited Vietnam’s frigate 015 - Tran Hung Dao, during which he highly valued Vietnam’s participation in the ASEAN - India Maritime Exercise (AIME) 2023 and IMDEX 2023. This shows the country’s commitment to coordinating with the Singaporean Navy and contributing to the success of the events.
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Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan, head of the Vietnamese delegation, handing a souvenir to Rear Admiral Aaron Beng |
On the occasion, Rear Admiral Aaron Beng extended greetings to Rear Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem, Commander of the Vietnam People’s Navy, and expressed his hope to welcome him to Singapore at an appropriate time.
Reported by My Hanh (from Singapore)
Translated by Tran Hoai