Maintain Dialogue Mechanism and Share Experiences Between Young Vietnamese and Philippine Officers

The young officer exchange program holds an important role in enhancing understanding, consolidating trust, and fostering friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries' armies and peoples.
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Maintain Dialogue Mechanism and Share Experiences Between Young Vietnamese and Philippine Officers
At the event. (Photo: VNA)

As part of the visit and exchange program in Vietnam by the Philippine Army’s young officers delegation, on the afternoon of September 23 in Hanoi, Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh, Deputy Head of the Army Youth Committee and Head of the Vietnam People's Army's young officers delegation, together with Colonel Michael G. Barrion, Head of the Philippine Army's young officers delegation, co-chaired a discussion between the two delegations.

Welcoming Colonel Michael G. Barrion and the delegation members, Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh noted that the visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the upgrade of Vietnam-Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership and looks ahead to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties (July 12, 1976 – July 12, 2026).

Expressing his belief in the success of the visit, Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh emphasized that the dialogue is a meaningful activity that enhances mutual understanding, strengthens trust, and fosters friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between the armed forces and peoples of the two countries.

He affirmed that the young officer exchange program is an annual activity between the Vietnamese and Philippine armies, reflecting the commitment of both sides to preserving and advancing their comprehensive strategic and friendly relationship.

Building on a foundation of traditional friendship, Vietnam-Philippines defense cooperation has achieved notable results in recent years, particularly through high-level visits and meetings between leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and the armed forces of both countries.

The two sides have effectively maintained dialogue mechanisms, exchanged information, strengthened coordination in addressing non-traditional maritime security challenges, exchanged young officers, and worked closely at bilateral and multilateral forums.

Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh affirmed that young officers of the Vietnam People's Army firmly believe that the outcomes of Vietnam - Philippines cooperation will contribute significantly to the continued development of the strategic partnership, serving the interests of both peoples and promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and prosperity in the region and the world.

He noted that young officers currently make up nearly 40% of the total officer corps in the Vietnam People's Army. The majority have received formal training at the college level or higher, with over 95% holding university or postgraduate degrees. They are directly involved in managing, educating, training soldiers, and performing various assigned duties.

Highlighting the value of exchanges between young officers, Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh described them as valuable opportunities to strengthen connections, share information, and deepen mutual understanding. He proposed that both sides continue to promote education and outreach among officers, youth, and the public about the history and significance of Vietnam - Philippines relations.

He also suggested that future exchanges be maintained and enhanced in a more substantive and effective manner, enabling young officers to share practical experiences in their professional roles and responsibilities.

Speaking at the seminar, Colonel Michael G. Barrion remarked that young officers from both countries are entering a rapidly evolving world, where security challenges are increasingly complex and demand innovative and collaborative solutions.

He emphasized that the program offers a unique opportunity for young officers to broaden their perspectives, build lasting relationships, develop leadership skills, and deepen their understanding of regional security dynamics.

Colonel Barrion described the seminar as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing experiences, and applying effective practices across various military domains. Through open dialogue and joint activities, both sides continue to build trust, strengthen understanding, and cultivate a resilient and enduring partnership.

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