Prime Minister of the RoK Han Duck-soo (R) and Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang. Photo: VNA

At a reception for Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang who is on an official visit to the RoK, Han said the visit holds special significance as both nations just upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership last December, VOV reported.

He also suggested the Vietnamese Government support the RoK in hosting the Busan Expo 2030.

Giang, in turn, affirmed that Vietnam always treasures its comprehensive cooperation with the RoK.

Briefing the host on the outcomes of his talks with his Korean counterpart, Giang stated that both sides had agreed upon score measures to further enhance defense links on a par with the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership.

The Vietnamese minister expressed his hope that the Government and relevant agencies of the RoK will help Vietnam deal with post-war consequences.

He also said he hopes PM Han will provide continued support for the two defense ministries’ substantive and effective collaboration.

Strengthening defense ties

Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang and his RoK counterpart Lee Jong-sup. Photo: People's Army Newspaper

On March 28, the Vietnamese Defence Minister held talks with his Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup, during which they agreed to strengthen the bilateral defense cooperation, making it match the potential of the two countries and their relations, according to VietnanPlus.

Exchanging views on regional security with his host, Giang said Vietnam consistently pursues the ‘Four No’s’ policy, which was specified in the 2019 Vietnam National Defence White Paper.

Regarding maritime security, the Vietnamese defense minister stressed that challenges regarding security and safety of navigation and territory and sovereignty disputes in Asia-Pacific in general and the Bien Dong Sea (South China Sea) in particular, have posed risks to peace, security, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world as well.

In such circumstances, relevant sides should uphold the rule of law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), he suggested.

Minister Giang stressed that Vietnam persistently addresses all disagreements in the waters by peaceful measures in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

At the end of their talks, the ministers witnessed the exchange of terms of reference consultation between the two navies, which serve as the basis for the forces to strengthen their cooperation. Photo: People's Army Newspaper

The ministers consented to increase the exchange of delegations, especially those at the high level, and maintain and promote the existing cooperation mechanisms.

Giang suggested Lee himself and the Korean ministry to call on other ministries, agencies and organizations of the RoK, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), to continue coordinating with and assisting Vietnam in war consequence settlement, post-war dioxin remediation and supporting bomb, mine and AO/dioxin victims.

The two sides agreed to continue with mutual consultation and support at multilateral forums, particularly the mechanisms led by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and support each other’s multilateral activities.

Minister Giang said Vietnam backs the organization of an informal meeting between defense ministers of ASEAN and the RoK based on the ten-member grouping’s consensus and stands ready to send delegations to the Seoul Defence Dialogue and the ASEAN-RoK deputy defense ministers’ meeting once they are convened.

At the end of their talks, the ministers witnessed the exchange of terms of reference consultation between the two navies, which serve as the basis for the forces to strengthen their cooperation.

On this occasion, Giang invited Lee to visit Vietnam at an appropriate time./.

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