Hanoi (VNA) - The Ministry of National Defence held a conference in Hanoi on December 27 to review global integration and defence diplomacy efforts in 2024 and chart the course for 2025.

The hybrid event connected with 22 military locations nationwide.

Chairing the event, standing member of the Central Military Commission and Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien praised the successful hosting of major celebrations such as the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, the 80th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army, the 35th anniversary of the All-People Defence Festival and the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024, all of which welcomed international delegations.

♔ He urged military agencies and units to continue improving their proactive approach to global integration and defence diplomacy, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Chien stressed the need to proactively prepare and successfully carry out defence diplomacy activities on the occasion of major national celebrations. Additionally, he called for ongoing research, updates, and improvements to the system of legal document governing the efforts, while maximising the effectiveness of external communication efforts.

Reflecting on the 2024 activities, delegates agreed that defence diplomacy continues to assert itself as a pillar of the Party, State and people-to-people diplomacy.

According to them, defence cooperation between Vietnam and nations, especially neighbouring countries and key partners, has been steadily advanced, contributing to building trust, maintaining friendly ties, and fostering a stable and peaceful environment for national development while enhancing defence capabilities.

The Vietnam People’s Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force have actively engaged in maritime and aerial security cooperation. Collaboration to address war legacies and foster training, expertise exchange and scientific research has been carried out in a clear roadmap. Significant attention has been given to international cooperation in military investment and trade, ensuring careful planning.

Multilateral diplomatic activities have played a crucial role in strengthening solidarity and consensus in the ASEAN Community, building political trust, and enhancing understanding of other countries' perspectives, all while protecting Vietnam's legitimate interests at major multilateral forums.

Notably, Vietnam's involvement in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations has yielded effective results, with the Vietnam People’s Army deploying 21 rotating officers to various missions, Engineering Unit No. 3 and Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 6 to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

🌠 On the same day, the Ministry also held a ceremony to present the President’s decision to an officer assigned to United Nations peacekeeping duties at the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)./.