At the talks, Minister Giang hailed the robust friendship and all-around ties between the two countries over nearly 50 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring vast potential for cooperation, including in defence.

He said Haluk Görgün's working visit on October 13-14 is significant as it puts into practice the commitment made by senior leaders of both nations to step up defence industry co-operation, as outlined in the Vietnam–Türkiye joint statement issued during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit in November 2023. Both sides compared notes on views on regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Giang emphasised Vietnam’s consistent “Four No’s” defence policy- no joining military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no allowing another country to build military bases or use Vietnamese territory to oppose others, and no using or threatening to use force in international relations. He stated that Vietnam wishes to expand both bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation based on equality and mutual respect for shared benefits, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

The Vietnamese defence chief stressed that procuring defence equipment from international partners, including Türkiye, aims to enhance national defence capabilities and protect sovereignty and peace. He added that Vietnam is keen to expand international cooperation in the defence industry with a view to achieving self-reliance in military equipment production.

In recent years, Vietnam and Türkiye have worked hand in hand to boost their defence industry partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in July serves as a framework for cooperation aligned with each country’s needs and capacities. High-level delegation exchanges between the two ministries have also been strengthened, thus contributing to broader cooperation in defence and the military industry, as well as active participation in each other’s defence exhibitions and fairs.

Looking ahead, Giang suggested both sides continue coordination to make their cooperation deeper and more substantive, focusing on enhanced delegation exchanges, information sharing, and engagement in defence expos organised by each nation.

The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence is ready to facilitate connections between Turkish defence companies and Vietnamese military agencies to explore products and identify suitable areas for co-operation, he said.

Haluk Görgün expressed sympathy to Vietnam over losses from recent typhoons and stressed that his visit demonstrates Türkiye’s strong commitment to augment bilateral cooperation.

He affirmed that the signed MoU provides an important foundation for joint projects while building trust and security in the partnership, and expressed hope that both countries will consolidate and strengthen defence ties while exploring new areas for broader co-operation.

Türkiye seeks stronger ties with Vietnam

A ceremony marking the 80th National Day of Vietnam (September 2) was held recently by the Vietnamese Embassy in Ankara, reflecting the growing friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Türkiye.