SDD-14, taking place from September 8-10, draws the participation of more than 1,000 delegates from 68 countries and international organizations. It has three plenary sessions, three special sessions, expert panels, and two working group meetings on the sidelines.
    |
 |
|
Gen. Chien speaks at the SDD-14. |
In his keynote speech at plenary session 2 themed “Reducing military tensions and building long-term trust,” Gen. Chien emphasized that the theme was of both timely and strategic significance in today’s fast-changing and unpredictable world.
He pointed out that in recent years, the world has entered a new stage of instability. These challenges have driven nations into a spiral of suspicion, declining strategic trust, military tension, and an arms race. International experience has shown that multilateral mechanisms and forums play an essential role in mitigating military tensions and fostering long-term strategic trust.
He stressed that the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Beijing Xiangshan Forum, Seoul Defense Dialogue, Shangri-La Dialogue, Moscow Conference on International Security, and especially the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) have become key security dialogue mechanisms helping to prevent strategic miscalculations both regionally and globally.
|
|
 |
|
Heads of delegations at the dialogue |
The Vietnamese defense leader affirmed Vietnam’s consistent pursuing its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development, being a friend and reliable partner to all nations worldwide, and an active, responsible member of the international community.
He also confirmed the country’s steadfast upholding its “For no's” policy while regarding military transparency, adherence to international law, and a commitment to settling disputes by peaceful means as the foundation for building long-term trust.
To reduce military tensions and build long-term trust, Gen. Chien suggested five groups of solutions, namely adhering to international law; upholding multilateralism, promoting the role of international organizations, maintaining and expanding strategic defense-security-diplomatic dialogues at all levels; respect for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; enhancing transparency in policies and strategies; and committing to cooperation for peace, stability and building strategic trust at region and global levels.
|
|
 |
|
Gen. Chien attends the dialogue. |
|
|
 |
|
Vietnamese delegates at the event |
Concluding his speech, Gen. Chien underlined that reducing military tensions and building long-term trust is not only a political choice, but also an essential requirement to sustain peace, stability, and development in the 21st century.
According to him, with sincerity, trust, and responsibility, all parties can work together to prevent conflicts, build peace, and maintain a stable environment for cooperation and prosperity for every nation and the world.
Reported by Kieu Trinh (from Seoul, the Republic of Korea)
Translated by Mai Huong