In Hanoi on 4/7, General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, held talks with General Songwit Noonpackdee, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, during the latter's official visit to Vietnam.

The two sides have achieved positive results through delegation exchanges at all levels, maintaining the defense policy dialogue mechanism, personnel training, officer exchanges, cooperation between forces and branches, and consultation and mutual support at multilateral forums and cooperation frameworks. Defense cooperation between the two countries has become increasingly in-depth, practical, and effective.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong proposed that in the coming time, the two sides continue to promote delegation exchanges, effectively utilize existing mechanisms, and foster substantive cooperation between forces, especially maritime law enforcement. He also suggested expanding training and cooperation in other potential areas. He expressed his hope that the two countries will continue to coordinate and support each other at multilateral mechanisms, forums, and international events organized by each side.

General Songwit Noonpackdee highly valued the role of defense cooperation in the comprehensive strategic partnership between Thailand and Vietnam, expressing his desire for deeper and more effective cooperation in this field.

General Nguyen Tan Cuong (right) welcomes the delegation of General Songwit Noonpackdee. Photo: Hoang Phong

General Nguyen Tan Cuong (right) welcomes the delegation of General Songwit Noonpackdee. Photo: Hoang Phong

At the talks, the two sides exchanged views on regional and international situations of mutual concern. General Nguyen Tan Cuong affirmed Vietnam's consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization, and diversification of relations, while adhering to the "four nos" defense policy.

Regarding the South China Sea, General Nguyen Tan Cuong stated that Vietnam persists in resolving all disputes through peaceful measures, based on international law. General Songwit Noonpackdee supported this viewpoint and praised Vietnam's "four nos" defense policy.

Son Ha