Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense ministers talked about the development for the future

Agreed to update 2010 defense cooperation MOU

Discussed enhancing bilateral relations and addressing new security challenges

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, inspected an honor guard before their bilateral meeting on March 28. The meeting was held at the Defense Ministry building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, where the two Ministers discussed ways to enhance their defense cooperation. Reported by Yang Dong-uk

Korea and Vietnam have agreed to establish a regular consultative body for their navies to strengthen maritime security cooperation. Additionally, they have decided to amend the existing MOU on defense cooperation to reflect the improved bilateral relations and evolving security environment.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup held a meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, at the Defense Ministry building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on March 28. The two Ministers discussed strategies for advancing future-oriented defense cooperation and enhancing their defense industries.

The defense ministers met again after four months since their previous meeting at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in November 2022 held in Cambodia. They evaluated the comprehensive and strategic partnership that was established during the 30th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations and discussed specific approaches to expanding and enhancing defense and defense industry cooperation.

The defense ministers agreed to establish a regular consultative body between their Navies to enhance maritime security cooperation, starting from the next month. Additionally, they discussed the possibility of transferring another patrol frigate from Korea to Vietnam, following the transfers in June 2017 and October 2018.

They both acknowledged the importance of matching defense cooperation with the new security environment and the upgraded bilateral relations, and agreed to revise the MOU on defense cooperation that was signed in 2010.

The two defense officials agreed to pursue future cooperation in various areas including mine removal, cybersecurity, educational exchanges, and defense technology. To ensure the implementation of cooperation tasks and to address any outstanding issues, they will hold regular bilateral defense ministerial meetings.

During the meeting, Minister Lee highlighted Korea's advanced defense industry, particularly the K9 self-propelled artillery, and emphasized the government's commitment to mutually beneficial defense industry cooperation. He extended an invitation to Minister Phan Van Giang to attend the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2023 (ADEX) in October.

Minister Phan Van Giang expressed gratitude for the invitation to ADEX and stated his willingness to expand defense industry cooperation with Korea.

The two Ministers decided to enhance future-oriented defense and defense industry cooperation between their countries, building upon a 30-year relationship of trust and cooperation.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr > 

<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>