Vietnam, New Zealand hold defence policy dialogue

(Bqp.vn) - The 4th Vietnam - New Zealand Defence Policy Dialogue took place on March 11 in New Zealand under the co-chair of Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and New Zealand Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman.

At the dialogue.

At the dialogue, both sides shared their perspectives on international and regional issues of mutual concern. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien affirmed that Vietnam consistently pursues an independent, self-reliant, peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and development-oriented foreign policy. Vietnam is a reliable friend and partner of countries around the world, advocating for diversified and multilateral relations. Regarding the East Sea issue, Vietnam is resolute and persistent in resolving all disputes through peaceful means based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) and regional commitments.

Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman speaking at the event.

Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman shared about New Zealand's defence policy, emphasized the participation of government ministries and agencies in developing and building the defence force until 2040. He affirmed that promoting Vietnam - New Zealand defence cooperation is a priority and an important contribution to foster peace and prosperity in the region and around the world.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien speaking at the dialogue.

Regarding bilateral cooperation, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien assessed that in recent times, the Vietnam - New Zealand defence cooperation has received high-level attention and guidance from the two defence ministries, resulted in significant practical outcomes based on the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in 2013. Specifically, cooperation has been achieved in various areas such as delegation exchanges, training, dialogue, consultation, UN peacekeeping operations, defence industry, and naval cooperation.

During the dialogue, both sides also exchanged and agreed on a draft three-year cooperation plan for the period 2024 - 2026, which was handed over to the working level for finalization and early signing. In the coming time, the two sides will enhance cooperation in existing areas while exploring the expansion of cooperation in other fields that both sides have needs and capabilities, such as navy, air force, border defence, intelligence, cybersecurity, military medicine, defence industry, military trade, and search and rescue operations.

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence desired to exchange experiences with New Zealand regarding maritime search and rescue operations and proposed exploring the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in this field. Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien suggested that the New Zealand Ministry of Defence increases the quota for English language training and training in specialized fields that the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence requires.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien and Secretary of Defence Andrew Bridgman signing the 4th Vietnam - New Zealand Defence Policy Dialogue Minutes.

In terms of multilateral cooperation, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence highly appreciated New Zealand’s positive contributions and constructive engagement within the framework of the ADMM-Plus. It proposed that both sides continue to enhance consultation and coordination in the multilateral mechanisms in which they participated together or co-chaired, particularly the ADMM-Plus Expert Working Groups.