During the talks, Gen. Giang expressed his appreciation for the presence of the high-ranking delegation of Azerbaijan at a grand ceremony marking Vietnam’s 80th August Revolution and National Day on September 2. He underscored that the construction of a monument complex honouring Soviet military experts, including Azerbaijani experts, at the Vietnam Military History Museum reflects the deep gratitude of the Party, State, military, and people of Vietnam for Azerbaijan’s valuable support during the country’s resistance wars in the past.

Gen. Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, as well as its “four no’s” defence policy. He stressed Vietnam’s principle of resolving disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and expressed support for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

According to Minister Giang, defence cooperation between the two countries has been strengthened in recent years, particularly in delegation exchanges, defence industry, humanitarian mine clearance, and participation in multilateral activities. Notably, during the State visit to Azerbaijan by Party General Secretary To Lam in May 2024, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation, providing an important basis for further strengthening bilateral ties.

Looking ahead, Gen. Giang proposed enhancing delegation exchanges, boosting cooperation in training, facilitating connections between defence enterprises in defence industry, military trade, logistics, and technical services, while supporting multilateral activities hosted by each side. He also suggested establishing Defence Attaché Offices in both countries and affirmed that Vietnam is ready to receive Azerbaijani cadets for language training and defence courses.

For his part, Colonel General Hasanov expressed his delight at witnessing the growing relations between the two countries, especially after the elevation of ties to a strategic partnership. He emphasised that there remains great potential for defence cooperation, hoping to ramp up cooperation in a more substantive and effective manner.

At the conclusion of the talks, the two Defence Ministers signed a Letter of Intent on cooperation in military personnel training.

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas

Vietnam and Azerbaijan have agreed on 17 potential cooperation areas with 58 specific activities for the 2025–2027 period, aiming to advance bilateral relations in a substantive, effective, and long-term manner.