During the dialogue, Sen. Lieu. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien emphasized that Vietnam-South Africa defence cooperation has been implemented actively based on the 2006 agreement on defence cooperation and the orientations agreed upon by the two Defence Ministries, in line with the needs and capabilities of each side.

Bilateral defence cooperation has seen significant progress in key areas, including regular exchanges and high-level delegation visits, defence industry cooperation, logistics, military medicine, UN peacekeeping operations, and training. Both sides have also actively coordinated and supported each other at regional and international forums.

He proposed that the two sides promote high-level exchanges; maintain the Deputy Minister-level Defence Policy Dialogue mechanism; enhance cooperation in defence industry, logistics, military medicine, and training; and support Vietnam’s peacekeeping forces through experience-sharing, training, and equipment provision.

Gamede for her part agreed with Chien’s proposals and expressed hope for further expansion of South Africa – Vietnam defence cooperation, making it more practical and effective in line with both countries’ needs and capacities.

The two sides also exchanged views on global and regional issues of mutual concern. Sen. Lieu. Gen. Chien reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, as well as its commitment to multilateralization and diversification of international relations. He emphasized that Vietnam adheres to its “Four No’s” defence policy and remains steadfast in resolving disputes and differences through peaceful means based on international law.

Regarding the East Sea issue, he said, Vietnam maintains that all relevant parties must adhere to international norms and laws, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam also advocates for the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC).

After the talks, both sides signed the minutes of the third Vietnam-South Africa Defense Policy Dialogue.

Vietnam, South Africa look to advance traditional friendship

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang and South African Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Anna Thandi Moraka co-chaired the 6th meeting of the Vietnam - South Africa Intergovernmental Partnership Forum in Pretoria on November 27, during which they discussed ways to promote future all-around cooperation.