During talks held following a welcome ceremony for the Indian defence official, Minister Giang emphasized that the visit by the Indian delegation is of great significance, especially on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
He expressed his confidence that the visit will greatly contribute to fostering ties of friendship and the comprehensive strategic partnership between both countries and ministries.
Minister Giang thanked India for supporting the Vietnamese side, especially in offering personnel training, providing credit packages, and assistance to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence.
Regarding the foundation of the Vietnam-India Joint Vision Statement for Peace, Prosperity and People released in December, 2020, both sides agreed to bolster collaboration to fully and effectively implement signed agreements. Indeed, there will be a specific focus moving forward on increasing contacts and exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high ones.
The two sides will maintain and enhance the efficiency of dialogue and consultation mechanisms, especially defence policy consultation at the deputy defence minister level, while simultaneously reinforcing partnership in personnel training and co-operation among armed forces, as well as co-ordination when participating in UN peacekeeping operations. They also consented to beefing up co-ordination and consultations at multilateral forums.
In response, Minister Singh affirmed India’s view that Vietnam is a key partner in its Act East Policy, expressing hope that the comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to flourish and expand across a variety of fields such as politics, defence, security, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
With regard to regional and global issues of mutual concern, both sides noted that peace, co-operation, and development remain major trends in the world. However, they showed concern at increasingly complicated global developments and the regional political and security situation through both traditional and non-traditional security challenges. This is in addition to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic globally coupled with the risks of instability which remain in the security environment in the world and the Asia-Pacific region, they continued.
Both sides went on to share their views on the significance of maintaining peace, stability, maritime and aviation security, as well as safety and freedom in the East Sea. This is in addition to the settlement of disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), along with the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the reaching of an efficient and substantial Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), all of which should be done in line with international law.
As part of the occasion, Minister Giang invited leaders of the Ministry of Defence of India and Indian military industrial firms to attend the International Defence Exhibition which is due to take place at the end of the year.
Upon concluding talks, the two ministers signed a statement on the joint defence partnership with a vision towards 2030 and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on mutual support in logistics between the two ministries.
