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Vietnam, Türkiye commit to deepening ties in defense industry

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense stands ready to support and facilitate Türkiye's defense industry enterprises to introduce their products and explore areas of cooperation suitable to the needs and capabilities of both countries.

That was the message from General Phan Văn Giang, Minister of National Defense during talks with Secretary of Turkish Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun, who is paying a two-day visit to Vietnam.

During the discussions, General Giang emphasised that the visit held great significance, representing a positive and effective step in implementing the commitment to strengthening defense industry cooperation, as agreed upon by the high-level leaders of the two countries in the Vietnam–Türkiye Joint Statement, issued during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Türkiye in November 2023.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on global and regional situations and issues of mutual concern.

General Giang reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently adhered to its 'Four No’s' national defense policy.

The minister also noted that Vietnam wished to expand both bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation based on equality and mutual respect, for common interests, contributing to maintaining regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development.

Minister Giang stressed that Vietnam pursued a policy of diversification and multilateralisation of external relations and promoted equal and mutually-beneficial cooperation with all partners, including Türkiye.

He underlined that Vietnam’s procurement of defense equipment from any partner including Türkiye was aimed solely at strengthening the country’s self-defense capability and safeguarding national peace.

Vietnam is keen on international cooperation in the defense industry, heading toward the goal of achieving self-reliance in the production of military equipment, according to the minister.

The two leaders were told that both sides had made concerted efforts to develop and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defense Industry Cooperation in July 2025, which provided a framework for further strengthening cooperation in this field, in line with the needs and capabilities of both countries, VNS reported.

Minister of National Defense General Phan Văn Giang,and Secretary of the Turkish Defense Industries Haluk Gorgun yesterday visited a photo exhibition showing bilateral ties between the two countries. Photo: VNA/VNS

High-level delegation exchanges between the two Ministries of National Defense had been enhanced, contributing to promoting defense and defense industry cooperation. Both countries had also supported and actively participated in defense industry exhibitions and fairs organised by each country.

Regarding future cooperation, based on the MoU, General Giang proposed continued coordination to make defense industry cooperation more intensive and substantive, reported VNS.

He said the focus should be on strengthening delegation exchanges at all levels; sharing and updating information, laws, and procurement policies related to defense products of each side as well as supporting and participating in defense exhibitions.

General Giang thanked Secretary Haluk Gorgun for twice sending representatives from the Turkish Defense Industries and defense companies to attend the Vietnam International Defense Expo in 2022 and 2024.

Secretary Haluk Gorgun emphasised that defense industry cooperation would play an important role in bilateral relations and expressed his hope that in the future, both countries would further consolidate bilateral defense cooperation while actively exploring potential areas for collaboration.

He noted that the MoU served as an important foundation for implementing joint projects between the two countries, fostering trust and ensuring safety in cooperation.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, presents a souvenir to Australia's Chief of Air Force (CAF) Air Marshal Stephen Chappell in their meeting in Hanoi on October 13, 2025 (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Vietnam, Australia seek stronger defense cooperation

General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA), and Deputy Minister of National Defense, hosted Australia's Chief of Air Force (CAF) Air Marshal Stephen Chappell in Hanoi on October 13, during which the two sides agreed to further promote defense cooperation in the time to come.

The Vietnamese officer affirmed that Vietnam always treasures relations with Australia, and highly values Australia’s role and potential in the international and regional affairs. He expressed his delight at the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in March 2024, which paves the way for stronger cooperation across fields, including defense.

Cuong acknowledged effective and practical defense cooperation between the two countries in recent times, based on the Memorandum of Understanding for Defense Cooperation in 2010 and the Declaration on Joint Visions for Enhancing Defense Cooperation between the two nations in 2018, with notable cooperation areas such as delegation exchanges, dialogues and consultations, training, UN peacekeeping, experience sharing among military services, post-war consequence remediation, and multilateral defense cooperation, particularly within the framework of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).

For his part, Chappell, updated the host on his earlier productive and practical talks with Major General Vu Hong Son, Commander of the Air Defense–Air Force, stressing that the outcomes lay a solid foundation for deepening future cooperation between the two forces.

He proposed that Australia and Vietnam further enhance defense cooperation in the coming period, prioritizing training, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, military medical support, and search-and-rescue operations, cited VNA.

Cuong showed his pleasure at the notable achievements in bilateral air force cooperation and highlighted the potential for stronger collaboration in the future. He took the occasion to thank the Royal Australian Air Force for dispatching transport support seven times to help Vietnam deploy its Level-2 Field Hospital to the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, contributing to strengthening bilateral peacekeeping cooperation and supporting global peace efforts.

The VPA and the Australian Defense Force will continue to enhance cooperation between their services, aligned with each side’s demands and capabilities, thus further strengthening mutual understanding and trust, Cuong said.

The Vietnamese officer affirmed that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense supports and encourages the air forces of both countries to strengthen delegation exchanges, promote training cooperation, and share expertise in air force. He hoped that the Department of Defense, Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Australian defense enterprises will continue to support Vietnam in organizing international defense exhibitions in the future.

Quang Ninh enhances cooperation with Cuban localities

The northern province of Quang Ninh is ready to establish a sisterhood relationship with Cuban localities to foster development cooperation, exchanges, and mutual support, Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Vu Dai Thang said during a reception for Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes on October 13.

The official expressed hope that the ambassador would continue to promote cooperation between Quang Ninh and Cuba, helping to deepen the special friendship and solidarity between the two countries, as this year marks both the 65th anniversary of diplomatic ties (December 2, 1960–2025) and the Vietnam–Cuba Friendship Year.

He said the ambassador’s visit was a source of great encouragement to the Party, administration, and people of Quang Ninh, especially as the province has just successfully held its 16th Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term. He highlighted that the special Vietnam–Cuba relationship, nurtured by President Ho Chi Minh and President Fidel Castro, has become a symbol of enduring, pure, and loyal solidarity. Throughout many historical periods, that special relationship has been cherished and continually strengthened by generations of leaders and citizens of both countries, according to VNA.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Vu Dai Thang (R) and Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes at their meeting on October 13 (Photo: VNA)

Expressing sympathy over the difficulties Cuba is facing, Thang affirmed that Quang Ninh’s Party Organisation, administration, and people always maintain deep affection and steadfast solidarity with the Cuban people, continuing to support and stand by Cuba on its path of national development. He expressed confidence that the ambassador’s visit would open new opportunities for cooperation between Quang Ninh and Cuban localities, especially in areas where both sides have potential and strengths, such as industry, construction, supervision, and health care.

Congratulating Quang Ninh on its achievements over the past five years and the successful organisation of its 16th Party Congress, the Cuban diplomat expressed confidence that with its new vision and development goals, Quang Ninh will continue to affirm its position as one of Vietnam’s most dynamic provinces, making important contributions to the country’s overall progress.

He underlined that Cuba deeply values and appreciates the sincere support and solidarity that Vietnam and Quang Ninh have extended to his country during challenging times. He pledged to continue strengthening cooperation between the two countries and to connect Cuba with Quang Ninh to enhance collaboration in areas such as green energy, the circular economy, heritage, tourism, and health care.

Foreign governments and organizations pledge aid for Vietnam’s post-disaster recovery

As of noon on October 13, several organizations and foreign governments pledged support to help Vietnam overcome the consequences of natural disasters, according to the Directorate for Dyke Management and Flood and Storm Control under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

Russia plans to deliver relief supplies to Noi Bai International Airport; Canada has pledged US$50,000 through a local non-governmental organization (NGO) to purchase boats, generators, and essential goods. The United States and the European Union intend to provide support via Vietnamese NGOs. Meta (Facebook) will contribute both cash and fanpage support, while UNICEF will supply 4,500 cartons of bottled water and 600 water tanks, prioritizing Lang Son and Cao Bang provinces.

Save the Children will provide cash assistance and school supplies for children in Bac Ninh from October to December 2025.

Meanwhile, some organizations have already delivered aid. Samaritan’s Purse provided food, household goods, kitchen items, and hygiene kits to 350 households in Ha Tinh province and continued with 4,000 cartons of instant noodles, 4,000 cartons of water, and 4,000 boxes of sausages in Lang Son, while preparing additional support for 2,300 households in Ha Tinh and Tuyen Quang provinces.

IOM plans to deliver 4,000 bottles of drinking water and 350 essential supply kits to Ha Tinh. Save the Children will distribute VND 500 million in cash to households with children in Ha Tinh from October to December, reported VOV.

Many areas in Hanoi and Bac Ninh remain flooded.

Other organizations and companies, including Australia, JICA, AHA, ActionAid, AceCook, and Tzu Chi, are providing materials, food, and household and educational items to affected households across northern provinces.

During their operations in Vietnam, relief teams also visited nursing homes, schools, and families, coordinating with local authorities to distribute supplies to affected areas.

Flooding caused by typhoon Matmo has inflicted heavy damage, with 8,677 homes still submerged in Bac Ninh and Hanoi. Dyke management recorded 59 incidents, unchanged since the morning of October 13. More than 550,000 electricity customers in Thai Nguyen, Bac Ninh, Cao Bang, and Lang Son lost power; by noon, 525,000 had been restored, leaving around 25,500 without electricity.

Total estimated losses exceed VND 8,720 billion, including roughly VND 4,000 billion in Thai Nguyen, VND 2,000 billion in Cao Bang, VND 1,670 billion in Bac Ninh, and VND 1,050 billion in Lang Son.

Vietnam, New Zealand collaborate on psychological support for peacekeeping personnel

The Vietnam Peacekeeping Department under the Ministry of National Defense coordinated with the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam on October 13 in Hanoi to hold a session exchanging experience on psychological support for troops participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The event is designed to raise awareness, share post-deployment support experience, and help personnel reintegrate smoothly with their families, colleagues, and society after completing missions in Abyei and South Sudan. It also provided an opportunity to discuss lessons learned in psychological support for peacekeeping forces and to step up bilateral cooperation in this field, cited VOV.

Personnel of Field Hospital 2.6 return to their families after one year on international duty (Photo: VNA)

Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, highlighted that the program targets personnel recently returned from peacekeeping missions. New Zealand experts participated in exchanges, data collection, and experience sharing, while helping design a psychological support program tailored for Vietnamese forces.

Colonel Shauna Graham, New Zealand Defense Attaché to Vietnam, expressed appreciation for the professionalism and compassion of Vietnamese personnel and hoped that international lessons could assist Vietnamese peacekeepers.

Air Lieutenant Colonel Jen Atkinson, Head of the New Zealand Defense psychological experts delegation, said she was pleased to learn, share, and collaborate with Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces in supporting returning troops.

New Zealand has extensive experience in deploying peacekeeping forces, particularly in structured psychological support systems. This exchange provided Vietnam with valuable lessons and guidance for developing psychological support across training, deployment, and reintegration, especially as Vietnam expands its engagement in UN peacekeeping operations.

Both sides also discussed continuing cooperation in training, exercises, and professional workshops on peacekeeping. Vietnam requested continued opportunities for its officers to participate in short-term courses, exercises, and leadership training in New Zealand to strengthen their capacity for positions at UN headquarters.

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