Vietnam proposes boosting defense cooperation with Belarus

The suggestion was made during a meeting between General Cuong and Major General Pavel Muraveiko, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defense of Belarus, in Hanoi on Monday, as part of Muraveiko’s official visit to Vietnam from October 19 to 22.

During their talks, Cuong highlighted that the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Belarus has been steadily nurtured, especially after their relationship was elevated to a strategic partnership in early May 2025, with defense cooperation serving as a key pillar.

In recent years, bilateral defense cooperation has been carried out effectively, reflecting the overall strong ties between the two nations and yielding positive results across multiple fields.

Regarding future cooperation, Cuong suggested that both sides continue close coordination to advance various areas, including maintaining high-level and working-level exchanges, implementing cooperation agreements, and strengthening ties between the two countries’ armed services.

He also called for enhanced collaboration in training, military competitions, and reciprocal participation in international defense exhibitions hosted by each side.

The Vietnamese general further proposed expanding cooperation in other potential fields, such as military science and military medicine.

Cuong reaffirmed that Vietnam adheres to a consistent defense policy based on the principle of ‘four no’s’: no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases in Vietnamese territory, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

On the East Vietnam Sea issue, Cuong stressed that Vietnam persistently seeks to resolve all disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He also underscored the importance of fully implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Vietnam Sea and working toward the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct for the waterway.

Major General Muraveiko said that Vietnam and Belarus share many similarities, as both nations fought for national independence and liberation.

He acknowledged the positive outcomes of bilateral cooperation in recent years, noting that there remains significant potential to further deepen defense ties.

Muraveiko affirmed that Belarus is ready to work with friendly nations to promote peace, stability, and development.

He also thanked the Vietnamese defense ministry for hosting Belarusian officers to study the Vietnamese language, adding that such exchanges help Belarus better understand Vietnam’s culture, people, and history while further strengthening ties between the two countries.