Vietnam’s defense minister receives Singaporean counterpart

At the talks, General Giang extended his congratulations to Singapore on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Singapore Armed Forces (July 1, 1965 - July 1, 2025).

He stressed that Vietnam and Singapore are active members of the ASEAN community and share a strong and friendly relationship.

The two countries share numerous potential, advantages, and similar strategic interests.

The upgrading of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March this year marks a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries, including defense cooperation.

General Giang noted that bilateral defense cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore has achieved positive, comprehensive, and substantive results, making an important contribution to strengthening political trust between the two countries.

In particular, delegation exchanges at all levels have been prioritized. 

Mechanisms for consultation, foreign affair, information exchange, and cooperation activities have been effectively maintained, especially the Defense Policy Dialogue mechanism.

Cooperation in military services, maritime security and safety, and training continue to be a highlight. 

Both sides have actively consulted and supported each other in multilateral forums.

The Vietnamese minister sincerely thanked the Singapore Ministry of Defense for providing scholarships in professional and language training to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense; for receiving Vietnamese naval, coast guard, and border guard officers to work at the Information Fusion Center; and for its support and high-level delegation attending the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army, the 35th anniversary of All-People’s National Defense Day, and the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024.

He suggested that in the coming time, the two sides continue to strengthen reliable, comprehensive, and substantive cooperation, focusing on key areas such as delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones; maintaining the effectiveness of existing consultation and dialogue mechanisms; training and cooperation among military services; enhancing the sharing of professional experience, exchanges among young officers and military medical personnel; and continuing consultation and mutual support in ASEAN multilateral defense and security forums and international events hosted by each side.

Thanking Minister Giang for the warm reception, Singapore’s Minister for Defense Chan Chun Sing emphasized that the close cooperation between the two ministries of defence aligns well with the comprehensive strategic partnership, and that both sides should further enhance cooperation.

Minister Chan agreed with the points raised by General Giang during the talks and affirmed his willingness to welcome officers of the Vietnam People’s Army to Singapore for training.

He expressed strong support for the continued effectiveness of consultation and dialogue mechanisms, particularly the upcoming Defense Policy Dialogue to be held in Vietnam.

Earlier the same day, Chan visited the headquarters of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group in Hanoi.