Prepared Translation:
Mr. Chairman,Ladies and Gentlemen,
As I attend this Dialogue for the first time, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), its Distinguished Director General, Dr. John Chipman, and the hosting Government of Singapore for inviting the delegation of theVietnameseMinistry of Defence to attend and address at this important Dialogue. We are bringing to this meeting a clear message on Vietnam’s defence diplomacy, that is, together with our friends and partners, Vietnam will foster every effort in dialogue and consultation, to contribute to a common understanding for an Asia-Pacific of peace, stability and development on the foundation of steadfast, cooperative security.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Fast and complicated security developments are a reality of our lives. New and multifaceted challenges threatening our aspiration for peace and development of nations are on the rise. The Asia- Pacific region, notwithstanding its size and dynamic development, is not out side this reality.
We continue to be confronted with security threats and challenges, most frequently non-traditional security threats. These are global issues related to energy, climate, epidemics and so on. Especially, the current economic recession isbringing negative impactto every country and may become a risk to social instability with unpredictable security consequences.
These issues cannot be solved by any single country or organisation.
Therefore, strong cooperationamong countriesand between those international community is an objective requirement. Through efforts of diplomatic activities, common issues between countries can be solved effectively in which defence diplomacy constitutes a considerable part. Defence diplomacy is usually implemented step by step, on a basis of results from diplomatic, political, economic and cultural relations. However, it is the defence diplomacy in turn that brings comprehensiveness and steadfastness to the overall relations. Defence diplomacy has made a significant contribution to relations between countries either bilaterally or multilaterally. In the common context of current international relations, we can see that countries attach ever greater importance to promoting and enhancingthe effectiveness of defence diplomacy.
The presence of many responsible governmental and defence leaders in this Dialogue is a vivid illustration of the tendency.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Strengthening cooperation in the sensitive field of defence and security requires mutual trust and understanding. In most cases, mutual trust and understanding are the first conditions for cooperation and play a very important role in determining the effectiveness of the cooperation. Therefore, defence diplomacy together with activities of the overall foreign policy should promote confidence building measures on the basis of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference inthe internal affairs ofother nations.
We believe that it is necessary for countries to expand channels of information exchange and sharing and implement defence cooperation in areas suitable to the conditions and capabilities of each country. Each country while promoting cooperation for its national interests should at the same time contribute to common effortsfor maintainingthe overall peaceful, stable and developmental environment.
These are foundations for us to have a stable and effective defence cooperation.
As a country in the process of vigorous integration into the international community, Vietnam consistently implements its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, openness, multilateralization and diversification of international relations under the motto “Vietnam is ready to be a friend and a reliable partner of all countries in the international community for the sake of peace, cooperation and development”.
Vietnam’s defence diplomacy is an integral part of the state diplomacy. We advocate:
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Neither joining any military alliances, taking side with one country against another country, nor giving permission to any foreign countries to have military bases in Vietnam;
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Neither using force nor threatening to use force in territorial disputes;
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Not being embroiled in any arms race;
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Modernizing its armed forces and strengthening its defence capabilities step by step only for the sake of national defence.
Vietnam strongly supports efforts of the international community to prevent and push back risks of armed conflicts and wars; condemns and opposes acts of terrorism of all forms and is ready to cooperate with other countries in handling non-traditional security threats. With regard to territorial disputes left behind by history, Vietnam advocates settling them through political solutions, peaceful negotiations on the basis of principles of international laws and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In defence diplomacy, Vietnam focuses on bilateral relations and at the same time takes active and responsiblepart in multilateral activities in the region and the world. We hope to receive continued cooperation from countries and from the international community.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Vietnam has had the honor to be elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the term of 2008-2009 and is striving to make best contributions to this prestigious organization. Activities related tosecurity of the global scale have brought to Vietnam’s diplomacy an important growth and created favorable conditions for Vietnam to have more partners. At this forum, please allow me to thank for cooperation, assistance and trust given to Vietnam in its capacity as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Councilfrom the countries represented here today.
As a constructive member of ASEAN, Vietnam has actively promoted defence diplomacy to make contributions to peace and stability of the region. The Vietnam People’s Army has established relations of solidarity and friendship with ASEAN armed forces and relations of multifaceted cooperation with the armed forces of several other countries in the Asia Pacific region. The outstanding activities include:
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Coordinated patrols at sea with neighboring countries;
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Information sharing and coordination in investigation and eradication of transnational crimes;
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Establishment of hotlines between corresponding units to promptly deal with arising issues;
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Sending observers to military exercises in the region;
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Strengthening exchange of military visits at all levels;
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Cooperation in officer training;
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Organizing and participating in military cultural and sport exchanges;
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Hosting conferences and meetings initiated by ASEAN armed forces.
With the concerned parties, Vietnam has signed the “Declaration on the Conducts by Parties in the South China Sea” and continues to work together to build a “Code of Conduct” in the East Sea (the South China Sea) for the long-lasting peace and stability of this region.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Vietnam has closely observed developments in defence diplomacymade by countries of the region and step by step made its contributions to building a common awareness of the importance of bilateral security dialogues and multilateral security fora. Meeting with my colleagues and partners present here, many of whom I have pleasure to know, I fully believe that in the spirit of mutual trust, understanding and respect, activities of defence diplomacy continue to make an important contribution to peace, stability and development of the Asia Pacific region and the world.
Thank you.
