Strengthening Vietnam-Singapore defense cooperation

General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, presided over the welcoming ceremony for Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Minister of Defense of Singapore. (Photo: Hoang Hong)

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two sides held talks. They sent congratulations on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Singapore Armed Forces (July 1, 1965 - July 1, 2025). General Phan Van Giang emphasized that Vietnam and Singapore are two active members of the ASEAN common house and have good friendly relations.

The two countries have many similar potentials, advantages and strategic interests. The upgrading of the relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025 is a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries, including defense cooperation.

General Phan Van Giang assessed that over the past time, defense cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore has achieved good, comprehensive and substantive results, making important contributions to strengthening political trust between the two countries.

In particular, delegation exchanges at all levels are emphasized. Consultation, dialogue, information exchange and communication mechanisms are maintained effectively, especially the Defense Policy Dialogue mechanism. Cooperation between military branches, services, security, maritime safety and training continues to be a bright spot. The two sides actively consult and support each other at multilateral forums and mechanisms.

The two Ministers and delegates took a souvenir photo. (Photo: Hoang Hong)

Minister Phan Van Giang sincerely thanked the Singaporean Ministry of National Defense for providing the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense with scholarships for specialized training and language training; receiving officers of the Vietnamese Navy, Coast Guard and Border Guard to work at the Maritime Security Information Sharing Center (IFC); supporting and sending a high-ranking delegation to attend the 80th Anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army, the 35th Anniversary of National Defense Day and the Vietnam International Defense Exhibition 2024.

General Phan Van Giang suggested that in the coming time, the two sides continue to strengthen trust, comprehensiveness, substance, and focus on cooperation in the following areas: exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones; effectively maintain existing consultation and dialogue mechanisms; training and cooperation between military, service, and medical forces; enhance sharing of professional experience and exchanges of young officers; continue to consult and support each other at multilateral defense and security forums within ASEAN as well as international events organized by each side.

The two Ministers held talks. (Photo: Hoang Hong)

Thanking Minister Phan Van Giang for taking the time to welcome him, Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasized the close cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense and the Singaporean Ministry of Defense in recent times, and said that the two sides need to further promote bilateral defense cooperation, commensurate with the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Mr. Chan Chun Sing agreed with the contents discussed by General Phan Van Giang at the talks; affirmed his readiness to welcome officers of the Vietnam People's Army to study in Singapore; expressed his agreement with the two sides continuing to effectively maintain consultation and dialogue mechanisms, especially towards the success of the upcoming Defense Policy Dialogue to be held in Vietnam.

On the same morning, Singaporean Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing visited the headquarters of the Military Industry-Telecoms Group ( Viettel ).

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tang-cuong-hop-tac-quoc-phong-viet-nam-singapore-321857.html