Hanoi (VNA) – Delegations of young Vietnamese and Philippine military officers engaged in a dialogue in Hanoi on September 23, part of the latter’s visit to Vietnam for an annual exchange.
Co-chairing the event, Colonel Nguyen Van Ninh, deputy head of the Youth Committee of the Vietnam People's Army and head of the Vietnamese delegation, stressed that the dialogue aimed to strengthen mutual understanding, consolidate trust, and foster friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the militaries and peoples of the two countries.
He noted the young officers’ exchange is an annual activity demonstrating both sides' determination to nurture the countries' friendship and cooperation.
Highlighting important results in various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation, he underlined that Vietnam and the Philippines have effectively maintained mechanisms for dialogue and information sharing, enhanced coordination in addressing non-traditional maritime security issues, organised regular young officers' exchanges, and cooperated closely at bilateral and multilateral forums.
Ninh affirmed young officers, now accounting for nearly 40% of Vietnam's total, are confident that the Vietnam – Philippines defence cooperation will make significant contributions to the continuous growth of the bilateral strategic partnership, for the benefit of both nations and for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the wider world.
He proposed that the two sides continue increasing education and communications among young officers and the public on the history and significance of bilateral relations, and carry out exchanges in a more substantive and productive manner.
Sharing his views at the dialogue, Colonel Michael G. Barrion, head of the Philippine delegation, described the event as a forum for exchanging knowledge, sharing experience, and applying best practices across a wide range of military fields.
Through open dialogue and practical cooperation, he said, both sides will further build trust and mutual understanding while nurturing a stronger and more resilient partnership./.
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Assoc. Prof. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City’s Vietnam–Southeast Asia Friendship Association described the event as a reflection of the enduring solidarity between the two nations and a shared commitment to a future of deeper, long-term cooperation within the ASEAN community.
