The statement was made by Defence Minister Phung Quang Thanh at meeting with ASEAN naval chiefs in Hanoi on July 27 under the framework of the fifth ASEAN Naval Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM-5).

General Thanh said the current situation is a peaceful one, with positive dialogue, instead of confrontation and conflict. He affirmed that Vietnam’s consistent policy is to maintain national sovereignty in line with keeping peace and security in the sea. Vietnam does not use force or threaten to use force and resolves disputes based on international laws. Disputes between any two countries will be dealt with bilaterally while those related to many sides will be resolved according to a multilateral mechanism, he stated.

General Thanh expressed his hope that ASEAN navies will continue to cooperate deeply and effectively in the future.

The Naval Chief of Brunei, the host of ANCM-6 in 2012, on behalf of the ASEAN chiefs, said the Vietnam People’s Army had successfully organised ANCM-5, and highly valued the enhancement of cooperation among ASEAN navies in maintaining an environment of maritime peace and security. 

The Brunei naval chief expressed his belief that following the agreed results, parties would unceasingly boost cooperation for the purposes of peace, contributing to fostering friendship among ASEAN countries. 

On the same day, Lieut. Gen. Do Ba Ty, Chief of the General Staff, met with Rear Admiral Ng Chee Peng, Chief of Singapore Navy.

Ty welcomed the Rear Admiral’s visit and attendance at ANCM-5 in Vietnam, and affirmed that Vietnam always strongly supports guidelines set by the meeting.

The Singaporean Rear Admiral congratulated the Vietnam People’s Navy for its successful organisation of ANCM-5. 

He expressed his wish that the Vietnam People’s Army will help Singapore’s army train interpreters in Vietnamese and send officers to work at the information exchange centre of the Singapore navy, contributing to increasing friendship, solidarity and raising efficiency of cooperation and development between armies and navies of the two countries.