Vietnam and South Korea Intensify Defence Partnership

Post by : Shakul

Vietnam and South Korea have reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing bilateral defence ties and expanding collaboration across various sectors following a significant meeting in Hanoi. These discussions underscored the growing relevance of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations and showcased the advancements made in recent years.

On June 2, 2026, General Phan Van Giang, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, welcomed South Korean Ambassador Choi Young Sam at the Ministry of National Defense in Hanoi. This meeting served as a farewell occasion, marking the conclusion of Ambassador Choi’s diplomatic mission in Vietnam.

During their meeting, General Giang congratulated Ambassador Choi Young Sam on his successful tenure and commended his efforts in promoting stronger Vietnam-South Korea relations. He acknowledged the ambassador's vital role in fostering cooperation across various domains, including defence, trade, cultural exchange, and interpersonal relationships.

The Vietnamese Defence Minister reiterated Vietnam’s strong commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership that the two countries share. He emphasized the importance of recent high-level exchanges, including Vietnamese leader To Lam's state visit to South Korea in August 2025, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to Vietnam in April 2026. These visits led to significant outcomes that further strengthen bilateral relations for a promising future.

Reflecting on defence cooperation, General Phan Van Giang pointed out the steady expansion of collaboration between the two nations over recent years. Key areas of cooperation include military education and training, naval exchanges, advancement in the defence industry, and post-war recovery efforts. He expressed gratitude for South Korea’s consistent support in addressing the impacts of war in Vietnam through humanitarian and developmental initiatives.

Special focus was placed on mine-action projects backed by South Korea, particularly in Binh Dinh and Quang Binh provinces. General Giang thanked the South Korean government for its valuable support and expressed hope for continued collaboration in post-war recovery efforts in the future. He also invited South Korean defence industry representatives to the upcoming Third Vietnam International Defense Exhibition scheduled for December 2026.

Ambassador Choi Young Sam expressed his gratitude towards the Vietnamese leadership for their collaboration during his time in office and conveyed his satisfaction regarding the strengthened bilateral relations. He highlighted that both countries have fortified their cooperation via defence policy dialogues, officer exchanges, naval visits, economic partnerships, and cultural initiatives. The ambassador assured that he would advocate efforts to deepen ties between Vietnam and South Korea in his forthcoming endeavors, aiming to elevate the partnership to new heights.

#World News #Vietnam #Defence #Diplomacy