The session, themed “Strengthening leadership and management and improving the quality and effectiveness of Vietnam’s representative offices abroad,” focused on the role and operations of Vietnam’s overseas representations.
In his speech, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang highlighted the important role of Vietnam’s representative offices abroad in the country’s external relations and international integration. He said they not only serve as bridges promoting relations with other countries but also act as strategic sources of information, advising the Party and State on political, economic, trade, investment, cultural and tourism issues, particularly those related to national defense and security. Their work also contributes to safeguarding national interests and strengthening Vietnam’s international standing and prestige, he said.
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Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Truong Thang speaks at the event. |
Gen. Thang noted that the MND has received strong support from Vietnam’s representative offices abroad in strategic research and forecasting and in carrying out defense external relations activities. This includes promoting strategic dialogue and defense policy mechanisms with partners, as well as cooperation in the defense industry, military trade, human resource training, U.N. peacekeeping and efforts to address the consequences of war.
Defense Attaché Offices in foreign countries can be regarded as the MND’s representations operating alongside Vietnamese embassies and under their overall direction. They represent the MND in their host countries and concurrently accredited countries. They both advise on promoting military and defense cooperation and directly organize defense external relations activities, while advising on and participating in bilateral and multilateral defense engagements. Their work contributes to fostering strong defense relations with other countries and enhancing the standing of the Vietnam People’s Army internationally.
According to Gen. Thang, the MND currently maintains Defense Attaché Offices in around 40 countries and a Military Attaché at Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the U.N. From this year through 2030, the ministry plans to establish Defense Attaché Offices in about 12 additional countries.
To further improve coordination between the ministry and Vietnamese representations abroad, the defense leader called for stronger Party leadership over external relations and defense external relations, consistent implementation of an independent, self-reliant and resilient foreign policy, and adherence to Vietnam’s “Four Nos” defense policy. He also stressed the need to effectively implement Party and State resolutions, particularly the Politburo’s Resolution No.06/NQ-TW on implementing the foreign policy adopted at the 14th National Party Congress.
He urged Vietnamese representative offices abroad to continue supporting Defense Attachés, particularly in advising on ways to address sensitive and complex issues in relations with other countries.
Gen. Thang called for more effective external relations, economic diplomacy, and science and technology diplomacy to identify opportunities for expanding Vietnam’s trade, investment, scientific and technological cooperation abroad. He emphasized stronger coordination in information and communications to enhance Vietnam’s international standing and promote the image of a dynamic, innovative, pro-active and peaceful country.
The deputy minister also noted that Vietnam will hold its third Defense Expo this December, following successful editions in 2022 and 2024. He expressed hope for close coordination among the MND, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies to ensure the event’s success.
“In the coming period, we hope that the leadership of the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate closely with the MND so that together we can successfully fulfill the tasks entrusted to us by the Party and State,” Gen. Thang said.
Translated by Tran Hoai