Vietnam, India expand scope of drills on peacekeeping
The fifth annual Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX 2024) commenced on November 4 at the Chandimandir military station in Haryana state, India.
Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Kharga Corps Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar launch the VINBAX 2024. (Photo: VNA)
New Delhi (VNA) – The fifth annual Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX 2024) commenced on November 4 at the Chandimandir military station in Haryana state, India.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Kharga Corps Lt Gen Rajesh Pushkar highlighted the long-standing historical, cultural and civilisational links and the comprehensive strategic partnership between India and Vietnam.
The bilateral relationship is further secured by the joint shared vision for peace, prosperity and people, he said, emphasising that defence cooperation is an important pillar of the India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation in 2009 and the Joint Vision on Defence Cooperation in 2015 provide a broad institutional framework towards this goal, he said, adding that the signing of the Joint Vision Statement on Defence Partnership Towards 2030 and the MOU on Mutual Logistics Support have highlighted the growing importance of both countries in the Indo-Pacific region and ASEAN.
Pushkar also emphasised that the VINBAX aims to foster cooperative partnership, share best practices between the two sides under Chapter VI of the United Nations Charter on peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR).
Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Indian officers at the VINBAX 2024. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai said that VINBAX is a symbol of cooperation between the two armies, and has promoted the image of the two countries as responsible members of the world community.
Hai said that in addition to professional activities, VINBAX 2024 is also an opportunity for soldiers of both sides to exchange and learn about each other's cultural, social and traditional heritage values.
Col. Luu Dinh Hien, Commander of the Training Centre of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, said that VINBAX is constantly expanding, from the first exercise in the form of tabletop simulation in 2018 to a field exercise in 2022; from the deployment of medical and technical troops in UN missions to the deployment of air force elements and drones in VINBAX-2024.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the 21st ASEAN - India Summit and the ASEAN - Canada Special Summit in Vientiane, Laos, on October 10.
Vietnamese Ambassador to India Nguyen Thanh Hai and Secretary of the Indian Department of Science and Technology Prof. Abhay Karandikar discussed ways to boost science and technology cooperation between the two countries in New Delhi on October 9.
India always attaches importance to its ties with Vietnam, an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, Indian Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Tourism Suresh Gopi has said.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
