5th Vietnam-UK Defence Policy Dialogue: Strengthening Strategic Partnership

The 5th Vietnam-UK Defence Policy Dialogue was held recently, marking a significant milestone in the strategic partnership between the two countries. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, representing the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence, and Defence Secretary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Vernon Corker, led the dialogue.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the cooperation results of the Fourth Defence Policy Dialogue and agreed on the future direction of cooperation, particularly in the context of the Vietnam-UK strategic partnership. Defence cooperation remains an essential element in the overall relationship between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Defence has made significant progress in defence cooperation with the UK, including the exchange of delegations at all levels, effectively maintaining cooperation mechanisms, and promoting maritime safety and security. Hydrographic surveys and training cooperation, especially language training, have also been notable areas of collaboration.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien expressed gratitude to the British Ministry of Defence for providing training slots and supporting English language training for Vietnamese officers and commissioned officers. The Vietnamese Ministry of Defence also values the UK’s active cooperation in UN peacekeeping operations.

Looking ahead, the two countries will continue to promote defence cooperation in line with their strategic partnership. This includes maintaining consultations and partnership dialogues, exchanging delegations at all levels, and strengthening training cooperation between military academies. The UK will also provide specialist training courses, including English language instructors, and the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence will welcome British soldiers to study Vietnamese and take the International Defence Officer course.

Additionally, the two countries will cooperate in preventing and eliminating human trafficking, military medicine, maritime safety and security, hydrographic charts, defence industry, UN peacekeeping operations, and research to overcome the effects of the Vietnam War.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Vernon Corker, along with representatives, posed for a photograph together.

During the dialogue, Vernon Corker shared his condolences for the loss and damage caused by Storm No. 3 in Vietnam. He highlighted the positive results achieved in defence cooperation and other areas, reaffirming the importance of defence cooperation and expressing hope for further strengthening the relationship between the UK and Vietnam.

Vernon Corker emphasized the UK’s commitment to facilitating coordination with Vietnam’s Ministry of Defence agencies and implementing the outcomes of the dialogue in line with the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed global and regional issues, with Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien emphasizing Vietnam’s foreign policy of multilateralism and diversification, and its national defence policy of peace and self-defence. Vietnam is committed to resolving disputes and differences through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam has promoted negotiations on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the Code of Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (COC), which is practical, effective, consistent with international law, and ensures the legitimacy of the interests of all parties.