Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang (left) and Singaporean Minister Ng Eng Hen. Photo: VNA

At the meeting with Singaporean Minister Ng Eng Hen, Giang congratulated the Ministry of National Defense on collaborating with the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) to host the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in-person after two years of suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic, VOV reported.

The two sides shared the view that despite the complicated and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, the Vietnam-Singapore Extensive Strategic Partnership has developed effectively in various fields, including defence cooperation, with a high level of political trust.

They agreed to effectively implement defence cooperation documents in line with the potential and needs of each side.

The two ministers examined preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting (ADMM) to be held in Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues of mutual concern.

At the meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the two sides reviewed the results of bilateral cooperation in overcoming war aftermath, holding dialogues and consultations, exchanging delegations, and maintaining maritime security, as well as in training, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and United Nations peacekeeping.

Defence Minister Gen. Phan Van Giang (R) and US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin. Photo: VNA

They agreed to enhance cooperation with priority to be given to overcoming war consequences, including speeding up a dioxin remediation project at Bien Hoa Airbase Area as well as mobilizing resources to treat dioxin contamination there.

Effective cooperation in this area will help strengthen trust and create motivation for opening up other areas of cooperation, said Giang.

Meeting with Canadian Defense Minister Anita Anand, Giang affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the Comprehensive Partnership with Canada, of which defense cooperation is a pillar.

Minister Phan Van Giang meets with his Canadian counterpart Anita Anand. Photo: VNA

The two ministers held that the Vietnam – Canada defence relations are developing positively in line with the Memorandum of Understanding on Bilateral Defense Cooperation signed in 2019 and the 2021-2023 defense cooperation plan.

They agreed that the two sides would continue to prioritize high-level contacts and strengthen cooperation in areas such as consultations and dialogues, personnel training, and UN peacekeeping.

Also on June 10 Minister Phan Van Giang attended an informal meeting between the US Secretary of Defense and the heads of delegations of ASEAN countries. The ministers examined measures to promote the ASEAN-US defense cooperation, while exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.

Shangri-La hotel in Singapore where the dialogue takes place. Photo: VNA

Giang is leading a Vietnamese delegation to the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue from June 10-12 in Singapore, VietnamPlus said.

The Vietnamese delegation’s presence at the event reaffirms the country’s active and proactive role and high responsibility in regional and international issues, and demonstrates its goodwill to boost friendship and cooperation and to share experience with countries in addressing common security challenges.

General Giang is expected to deliver a speech at the dialogue, on the sidelines of which he will have bilateral meetings with several leaders of Defence Ministries and armies of other countries to discuss measures to intensify defence ties./.

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