Meeting each other on the sidelines of the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, Giang emphasised that the upgrade of Vietnam - Singapore relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2025 marks a new chapter in bilateral ties. Defence and security cooperation will advance in a more substantial, effective, and vigorous manner, serving as one of the key pillars of bilateral relations.

He also noted that Vietnam highly values Singapore’s position, role, and positive contributions to international and regional affairs, especially within ASEAN. These efforts have strengthened intra-bloc unity and enhanced ASEAN’s role both regionally and globally.

Vietnam expects Singapore will continue to play its role in promoting the ASEAN Community’s goals alongside Vietnam and other ASEAN member states, he said.

Giang expressed satisfaction with the trustworthy and practical defence cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas such as exchange of delegations at various levels; effective maintenance of dialogue and consultation mechanisms; information sharing; cooperation between military services and branches; maritime security and safety; training and exchanges of young officers; and mutual support in multilateral forums and mechanisms.

Chan, for his part, welcomed the Vietnamese minister to the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue and agreed that bilateral defence cooperation has significantly contributed to enhancing political trust and deepening bilateral relations. He affirmed that the Singaporean Ministry of Defence would continue to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence to effectively implement agreed areas of cooperation.

Both ministers expressed a desire to further strengthen delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones; maintain and enhance existing dialogue and consultation mechanisms; explore the establishment of an air force consultation mechanism; expand training cooperation through the promotion of a training cooperation agreement; and foster cooperation in military services, search and rescue, and maritime security.

They also pledged to boost military medical and cybersecurity cooperation, including sending officers from Vietnam’s Cyber Operations Command to work at the ADMM Information and Cybersecurity Centre under Singapore’s Ministry of Defence. Both sides agreed to continue consultation and mutual support in ASEAN’s multilateral defence and security forums.

On this occasion, Giang extended an invitation to Chan to pay an official visit to Vietnam at the earliest convenience.

Vietnam reaffirms “Four No’s” defence policy amid global strategic tensions

VOV.VN - Defence Minister General Phan Van Giang delivered a strong message reaffirming Vietnam’s consistent adherence to its “Four No’s” defense policy, at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31.