During a phone call with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, General Phan Van Giang, Vietnam’s Minister of National Defense, formally invited his American counterpart to visit Vietnam this year.

Strengthening U.S.-Vietnam defense cooperation

On the evening of February 7, General Phan Van Giang held a phone conversation with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, congratulating him on his appointment as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Minister Giang reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy that promotes multilateralism, proactive international integration, and cooperation. He emphasized that Vietnam considers the U.S. one of its most important strategic partners.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral defense cooperation, which has expanded effectively across multiple areas in alignment with the broader U.S.-Vietnam relationship. This progress reflects the success of Minister Giang’s official visit to the U.S. in September 2024.

Post-war recovery efforts: A cornerstone of defense relations

General Giang highlighted ongoing joint efforts to address war legacies as a key achievement in defense cooperation.

He welcomed continued U.S. commitments to mobilizing resources for dioxin remediation at Bien Hoa Air Base, assisting people with disabilities, clearing unexploded ordnance, and supporting Vietnam’s efforts to locate and repatriate the remains of fallen soldiers.

He also acknowledged the importance of both countries' collaboration in locating U.S. personnel missing from the war, seeing it as a meaningful step toward reconciliation and a future-oriented partnership.

Looking ahead, General Giang expressed a desire for both defense ministries to continue high-level exchanges, delegation visits, and ongoing dialogues, including the 13th Vietnam-U.S. Defense Policy Dialogue, to be held in Vietnam soon.

As 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Vietnam diplomatic normalization (1995–2025), he emphasized the importance of meaningful defense cooperation activities to commemorate this milestone.

On this occasion, General Giang extended a formal invitation for Secretary Hegseth to visit Vietnam in 2025.

U.S. commitment to stronger defense ties

In response, Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed his pleasure in speaking with General Giang, reaffirming the Trump administration’s commitment to strengthening U.S.-Vietnam relations.

He emphasized a strong desire to further enhance bilateral defense cooperation, particularly in post-war recovery efforts, and pledged to advance key initiatives agreed upon by both sides.

Tran Thuong