Affirming Vietnam as a peace lover that values friendship, righteousness and fairness in international relations, PM Chinh underscored that Vietnam has remained steadfast in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, as well as being a trustworthy friend and partner of all nations and a proactive and responsible member of the international community.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (second from left ) attends Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.

That Vietnam is proactively expanding defence diplomacy and collaboration aims at bolstering friendship and mutual understanding, building confidence, and settling security and safety issues with global peers to prevent conflicts and wars in accordance with basic principles of international law, contributing to peace, prosperity, and cooperation for common development in the region and the world, he stated.

Having endured the hardships of war, Vietnam deeply values the importance of friendship, peace, cooperation, and development, he said, adding that the nation stands firmly with its “four nos” defence policy of no military alliances, no siding with one country against another, no foreign military bases or use of the Vietnamese territory against other nations, and no use or threat of force in international relations.

The Government leader went on to say that Vietnam is developing a revolutionary, professional, elite and modern armed forces, with defence capabilities strong enough to protect and safeguard the nation from early and afar.

The country is pursuing a self-reliant and internationally integrated defence industry development strategy, with priority given to the research, development and application of advanced technology into the defence industry.

This approach aims to enhance both defence capabilities and economic development, serving both strategic national interests and the people’s needs.

The expo, he said, is the affirmation for Vietnam’s role and contributions to the international defence cooperation, noting that it stands as a symbol of trust, respect, and goodwill among nations striving for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous world.

Additionally, the event also demonstrates the meaningful support and sentiment from international friends towards Vietnam as well as its people and army –a heroic military force of a heroic nation that consistently demonstrates sincerity, trustworthiness, and responsibility in international relations.

The participation of 66 international delegations and over 240 defence industry enterprises from 49 countries reflects Vietnam's growing prestige in organising international defence exhibitions.

PM Chinh emphasised that the exhibition serves as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and welcome international friends, sharing Vietnamese culture, arts, and cuisine while introducing the land and people of Vietnam.

The expo is one of the key events celebrating the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defence Festival (December 22).

Its opening ceremony featured a spectacular display by over 2,000 military personnel, including aerial demonstrations by the Vietnamese Air Force and special forces combat performances.

The four-day event, spanning a total area of over 100,000 sq.m with both indoor and outdoor exhibition zones at Gia Lam Airport, draws more than 200 domestic and foreign exhibitors from 30 countries and territories worldwide, including China, France, India, Israel, the UK and the US.

Within the framework of the exhibition, exchange programmes to promote collaboration between agencies, units, and enterprises, as well as among enterprises themselves; thematic workshops on military technology; and activities showcasing achievements in defence cooperation, will be arranged.

State President visits Army Corps 12 stationed in Ninh Binh

State President Luong Cuong visited Army Corps 12 stationed in the northern province of Ninh Binh on December 18, on the occasion of the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) December 22, 1944-2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defence Day (December 22, 1989-2024).

Hanoi recreates the day of the victorious army’s return

The space of Phung Hung mural street is recreated as an old Hanoi from 1947-1954. Most notable are the images of the victorious army returning on the Capital Liberation Day 70 years ago.

Lao People's Army delegation visits Bac Giang

BAC GIANG - Implementing the coordination programme between the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and the Lao People's Army (LPA), on August 19, a delegation of the Department of Operations under the LPA General Staff led by its Director Major General Kongthong Soukhavong paid a working visit to the Military Command of Bac Giang province.

Vietnam, ASEAN member states foster military cooperation

Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyen Tan Cuong held bilateral meetings with some delegation heads on the sidelines of the 21st ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces’ Meeting (ACDFM-21) in Vientiane on September 5.

Bac Giang province and 108 Central Military Hospital ink medical development cooperation programme

BAC GIANG -The provincial People’s Committee of Bac Giang province (PPC) and the 108 Central Military Hospital signed a cooperation programme on medical development on August 21 in Bac Giang city. The event was co-chaired by PPC Permanent Vice Chairman Mai Son and Lieutenant General Le Huu Song, Director of 108 Central Military Hospital.

Central Military Commission meets press agencies on Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day

The Central Military Commission of the Ministry of Defence met with press agencies on June 14 to celebrate the 99th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925 - 2024).