At the meeting with Admiral Yudo Margono, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, Gen. Cuong sincerely thanked the admiral in particular and the Indonesian military in general for their warm welcome for the Vietnamese delegates. He considered the meeting an important milestone marking the continuous development of the cooperation between the militaries of ASEAN countries.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong (left) meets with Admiral Yudo Margono. |
The head of the Vietnamese delegation said that the military-defense cooperation between the two countries has fruitfully developed over the past time, positively contributing to the common development of Vietnam - Indonesia bilateral relations. Gen. Cuong wished that the Indonesian commander would support the early signing of an agreement on joint patrol in order to strengthen cooperation between the two navies, thus well handling situations at sea. He requested the two maritime law enforcement agencies to humanely treat cases of violation, on the basis of the friendly relationship between the two countries.
For his part, Admiral Yudo Margono highly appreciated the active and pro-active participation of the Vietnamese delegation in ACDFM-20, proving its role as an active member in the grouping. He hoped that Vietnam would support Indonesia’s initiatives at multilateral forums, thus fostering the fine friendship between the two countries.
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At the meeting between Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong and his Lao counterpart Lt. Gen. Khamlieng Outhakaysone |
During the conversation with his Lao counterpart Sr. Lt. Gen. Khamlieng Outhakaysone, Gen. Cuong expressed strong belief that with its responsibility and experience, Laos would successfully complete its duty as the ASEAN Chair 2024 and the host of ACDFM-21. He affirmed that Vietnam in general and the Vietnam People’s Army in particular would closely cooperate with and provide the most responsible and sincerest support for Laos.
The two chiefs of the general staffs agreed to collaborate and actively and effectively carry out agreements inked by leaders of the two parties and states, the protocol on cooperation in the the 2020-2024 period between the two defense ministries, and the cooperation plan in 2023. They affirmed that the two sides would continue to support each other at multilateral forums in the region and the world; exchange information and foster the dissemination and education to raise people’s awareness of the significance of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two parties, states, peoples, and militaries; resolutely fight against plots of hostile forces to sabotage the good relationship between the two countries.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong and General Vong Pisen |
At the bilateral meeting with Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) General Vong Pisen, Gen. Cuong affirmed that Vietnam always treasures and gives priority to strengthening the relationship with Cambodia. He took the occasion to congratulate Cambodia on its successful hosting of SEA Games 32 and the ongoing 12th Para Games and believed that the success of these events would be a foundation for the country to host big regional and international political, diplomatic, and sporting events in the future.
The two defense leaders agreed that the bilateral defense cooperation has fruitfully developed and obtained practical results, contributing to proving it an important pillar in the Vietnam - Cambodia relationship.
According to Gen. Cuong, the Vietnamese and Cambodian defense ministries have worked with the Lao counterpart to conduct a field survey of the venue for the first defense minister-level Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange, scheduled to take place in early December. He hoped that the RCAF would continue to pay attention to and direct relevant agencies to cooperate with the Vietnamese and Lao sides to make thorough preparations for the exchange and the visit of the Vietnamese Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang to Cambodia.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong, Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi, and members of the two delegations at the meeting |
At the meeting with Chief of Thai Defense Force General Chalermphon Srisawasdi, the head of the Vietnamese delegation evaluated that the defense cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand has been well maintained and obtained practical achievements in exchange of delegations at all levels, maintaining available cooperation mechanisms, collaboration between arms and services, and cooperation in training. They have cooperated and supported each other at multilateral forums.
For his part, Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi congratulated and highly appreciated Vietnam’s achievements over the past time, especially its imprints in military-defense work.
The Vietnamese GS’s chief affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense (MND) supports events hosted by Thailand and is looking forward to the official Vietnam visit of the chief of Thai defense forces and his spouse and the Thai delegation in August. Gen. Cuong wished that Gen. Chalermphon Srisawasdi would support the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in maritime law enforcement between the Vietnamese Coast Guard and the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center. He requested maritime law enforcement agencies of the two countries to continue to humanely treat violated fishermen, on the spirit of friendship between the two countries.
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At the meeting between Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong and Lt. Gen. Rate Laek |
During the conversation with Chief of Defense Force of Timor Leste Lt. Gen. Falur Rate Laek, the Vietnamese defense leader said that there remains ample room for Vietnam and Timor Leste to foster their defense and military cooperation. He suggested the two sides study to enhance exchange of delegations at all levels, cooperation in training and defense industry, and sharing of experience. He hoped that the government and military of Timor Leste would continue to pay attention to and facilitate the operation of the Military Industry-Telecoms Group (Viettel) in the country, contributing to local socio-economic development and the strengthening of the relationship between the two countries and militaries.
While meeting with Singaporean Chief of Defense Force Rear Admiral Aaron Beng, Gen. Cuong expressed his admiration for the country’s successful organization of the 20th Shangri-La Dialogue and affirmed that the Vietnamese MND treasures and will continue to participate in next editions. He thanked the Singaporean military for supporting and sending delegations to take part in activities hosted by the Vietnamese MND in 2022, thus contributing to the success of those events.
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An overview of the meeting between Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong and Rear Admiral Aaron Beng |
Gen. Cuong and Rear Admiral Aaron Beng expressed delight at the practical and effective development of the defense cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore in different fields. Notably, the two sides have well maintained regular meetings between defense leaders and cooperation mechanisms, paid attention to cooperation in training, fostered collaboration between arms and services, and supported each other at their forums and events.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong talking with Gen. Andres C.Centino who heads the Philippine delegation to ACDFM-20
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Earlier, Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong had a bilateral meeting with head of the Philippine delegation, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Andres C. Centino.
Reported by Tien Dat from Bali, Indonesia
Translated by Tran Hoai