The Prime Minister says the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2022 opens up opportunities for cooperation in research and development of the defence industry in the world. Photo: NDO

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and military officers pressed buttons inaugurating the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2022 at Gia Lam airbase in Hanoi on December 8, VOV reported.

In his opening remarks, PM Chinh welcomed foreign exhibitors to the expo, which he hoped would create a positive opportunity for defence policy makers, as well as defence and security enterprises to meet, exchange, develop, and cooperate towards a world of peace, cooperation and prosperous development.

With a total of 170 exhibitors showcasing their products and technology solutions at the expo, this demonstrates a symbol of trust, co-operation and friendship, as well as the warm affection of international friends for the country, its army, and citizens, he noted.

According to the PM, along with the trend of peace, cooperation, and development, the world is witnessing an increase in traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Amid these situations, Chinh said it is very important to strengthen international cooperation, including in the defence industry, whilst upholding multilateralism, justice, international law, and building trust among countries globally.

He took the occasion to reaffirm the Vietnamese foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralisation of international relations.

In line with this, Vietnam is a good friend, a reliable partner, and a responsible member of the international community. It cooperates with its partners for the cause of peace, equality, and mutually-beneficial development, whilst respecting the UN Charter, as well as the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, he stated.

Minister of Defence Phan Van Giang introduces to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on the S-125 missile system during Vietnam's International Defence Expo. VNA/VNS Photo Trong Duc

As many as 30 countries from throughout Asia, Europe, and America are currently showcasing a range of weapons, technology solutions, and equipment at the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2022.

Following the opening ceremony, PM Chinh and delegates visited booths displaying defence industry products, the Vietnam cultural space and an area showcasing the country's economy-defence achievements.

According to Major General Le Xuan Sang, Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training (General Department of Politics of the People's Army), the purpose of the exhibition is not only to introduce and promote the achievements of the defence industry, but also to introduce to international friends the image of Vietnam, Vietnamese people and culture.

PM Chinh greets foreign delegates at the exhibition.

The same day, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence, received heads of delegations to the Vietnam International Defence Expo, according to VNA.

The guests were the Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, the Commander of the Brunei Armed Forces, the Chief of the Defence Forces of Timor Leste, the Vice Chief of Joint Staff of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, and the Chief of the General Staff of the Singapore Armed Forces.

Cuong thanked the defence ministries and the armies of the countries for supporting Vietnam in holding the expo, saying that it is the first time Vietnam has hosted this event which is of significance to step up global integration, strengthen defence diplomacy and ties between Vietnam and countries.

Via the event, Vietnam wants to discuss and listen to defence industry companies’ feedback on promising cooperation projects, he said, adding that Vietnam expects to promote defence cooperation with countries for peace and stability of each country as well as for the region and the world.

Vietnam pledged to create the most favourable environment for defence enterprises to do business and invest effectively in the country, Cuong said.

Expressing their impression for the opening ceremony of the expo, the guests said that the event is taking place at a time when the friendship and cooperation among ASEAN member states are growing.

They believed that the expo would be a success, contributing to boosting trust and coordination among countries for the sake of peace and stability in the region.

VNA/VNS Photos Lam Khanh

The squadron of Su-30MK2 over Hanoi.

At the opening ceremony, the Vietnamese air force has conducted an air demonstration with its squadron of Mi military helicopters and fighter aircrafts Su-30MK2 at low altitude over Hanoi.

The exhibition is scheduled to run from December 8 – 10.

The expo opens free to the public on December 9 from 2pm to 6pm, and all day on December 10.

The expo displays weapons, technology solutions and equipment for the navy, army, air defense, cyber warfare, as well as logistics and technical engineering.

The UK Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, attended the Vietnam Defence 2022 Expo in Hanoi. Source: UK embassy in Vietnam

Minister Heappey said: “I am delighted to be attending the Vietnam Defence 2022 Expo and congratulate our friends at the Vietnamese Ministry of Defence on the successful organisation of such an extensive event. It’s great to see such interest from a range of UK-linked companies including Thales, Airbus, and Steel Core Designs. The UK and Vietnam are both working to modernise our militaries so this is a great area for collaboration and a further sign of the UK’s growing commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.”

At a roundtable discussion with Department of Defense officials and American business representatives visiting Hanoi to attend the 2022 Vietnam International Defense Expo. Source: US embassy in Hanoi

At the Australian Government stand at the Vietnam Defence Expo 2022

The expo opens free to the public on December 9 from 2pm to 6pm, and all day on December 10. Source: HTI Group

Source: HTI Group

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