Vietnam, US hold defense policy dialogue
Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien joined with Dr. Ely Ratner, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, to co-chair the Vietnam-US Defence Policy Dialogue on September 12 in Hanoi.
After being delayed for a year due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, this dialogue was held in order to evaluate the results of bilateral defense co-operation between both sides over recent times and to outline orientations for defense co-operation over the next years.
The two sides used the platform to exchange views on world and regional situations of shared concern and to assess the development of bilateral defense ties in line with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Promoting Defense Cooperation in 2011 and the 2015 Joint Vision Statement on Defense Relations. This thereby helped to make positive contributions to the bilateral relationship as well as activities in preparation for the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam - US comprehensive partnership from 2013 to 2023.
They applauded the various efforts and results achieved across multiple areas of co-operation, especially in overcoming the consequences of previous conflicts. This includes the implementation of a project on environmental treatment of dioxin contamination at Bien Hoa airport, a project to support people with disabilities in areas heavily sprayed with Agent Orange, bomb and mine clearance efforts, and the search for remains of soldiers missing in the war.
Furthermore, both sides have been co-operating effectively in areas such as UN peacekeeping, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, military medicine, and capacity building for the Vietnam Coast Guard.
Moving forward, the two sides agreed to continue to effectively carry out signed documents and agreements, with a specific focus on overcoming the consequences of war, participating in UN peacekeeping operations, ramping up military, rescue, and research co-operation. They will continue to offer mutual support on issues of mutual concern at regional forums, as well as promoting the role of ADMM+ membership as a contribution to peace, stability, and common development in the region.
As part of the dialogue, the US side provided key information regarding Vietnamese martyrs who died in the war.
The Vietnamese side also cordially invited the US Department of Defense to send a delegation to attend the international defense exhibition in Vietnam which is slated for December, while offering mutual support and optimal conditions for US defense enterprises to display and introduce their products at the event.
