(Bqp.vn) - On July 22, at the Headquarters of the Ministry of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, Politburo Member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, and Defence Minister, hosted an official welcome ceremony and held talks with his Singaporean counterpart Chan Chun Sing.
General Phan Van Giang welcoming Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.
General Phan Van Giang and Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing inspecting the Guard of Honour of the Vietnam People’s Army.
Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing signing the guestbook at the Headquarters of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence.
During the talks, General Phan Van Giang extended congratulations on the occasion of the 60th founding anniversary of the Singapore Armed Forces (1/7/1965 - 1/7/2025). He emphasized that Vietnam and Singapore are both active members of the ASEAN community and enjoy a sound friendship. The two countries share many strategic interests, potentials, and advantages. The elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025 marks a historic milestone, opening a new chapter in the relationship between the two Parties and States, including the field of defence cooperation.
General Phan Van Giang and members of the Vietnamese delegation at the talks.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing and members of the Singaporean delegation at the talks.
General Phan Van Giang affirmed that bilateral defence cooperation has seen comprehensive, substantive, and positive outcomes in recent years, contributing significantly to strengthening political trust between the two countries. Notable achievements include regular exchange of delegations at all levels; effective maintenance of consultation mechanisms, dialogue platforms, and information exchange, particularly the defence policy dialogue; active cooperation in areas such as military branches, security, maritime safety, and training, and mutual support at multilateral forums and mechanisms.
General Phan Van Giang speaking at the talks.
General Phan Van Giang expressed his appreciation to the Singaporean Ministry of Defence for offering scholarships to Vietnamese officers in both professional and language training programs; for receiving naval, coast guard, and border guard officers to work at the Information Fusion Centre (IFC); and for supporting and sending a high-level delegation to attend the celebrations of the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army, the 35th anniversary of the All-People’s Defence Day, and the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.
Singaporean Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing speaking at the talks.
Looking ahead, General Phan Van Giang proposed that both sides continue to strengthen their comprehensive, substantive, and trustworthy defence cooperation, focusing on the following key areas: exchanges of delegations, particularly at high level ones; effective maintenance of existing consultation and dialogue mechanisms; cooperation in training, military branches, and military medicine; sharing professional experience and young officer exchanges; mutual support at ASEAN defence-security forums and international events hosted by each country.
General Phan Van Giang presenting a souvenir to Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.
For his part, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing underscored the strong bilateral defence cooperation between Singapore and Vietnam, and emphasized the need to further deepen this cooperation in line with the new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He expressed full agreement with the points raised by General Phan Van Giang during the talks, affirmed Singapore’s readiness to welcome Vietnamese officers for training in Singapore, and agreed to continue effectively maintaining consultation and dialogue mechanisms, particularly with a view toward the upcoming Defence Policy Dialogue to be held in Vietnam.
